The love for this man knows no boundaries.
Back in 2001, Robin Williams met Koko, a 43-year-old gorilla, and the two had a close encounter that left them both deeply moved.
Well, when the Gorilla Foundation in Northern California received the news of the actor’s death earlier this week… Koko picked up on what happened and her reaction is incredibly heartbreaking.
Koko’s surrogate mother and mentor Dr. Penny Patterson recently wrote about what happened and said:
“On Monday, Aug. 11, the day news broke of Williams’ passing, Koko and Penny and Ron (Drs. Patterson and Cohn) were together when phone calls started coming in about the sad event. After the first call, Koko came to Dr. Patterson with an inquiring look on her face. Dr. Patterson explained that “we have lost a dear friend, Robin Williams.” Koko was quiet and looked very thoughtful (see photo bottom left).
More phone calls about the news came in, and Koko overheard one from a former colleague who had worked with Williams while he filmed a public service announcement for The Gorilla Foundation (based on his visit with Koko) in 2003. The colleague’s voice broke at the end of the conversation. About a half an hour later, Koko signed to Penny: “CRY LIP” (LIP is Koko’s sign for woman).”
Aww – that’s so sad!
To try and cheer up the lady gorilla, a video tribute has been created of the two’s meeting back in 2001 and seeing Robin and Koko together is something special to watch. Dr. Patterson noted that the two helped each other, writing:
“But not only did Robin cheer up Koko, the effect was mutual, and Robin seemed transformed. From a high-energy entertainer, into a mellow, sensitive, empathetic guy, who also happened to be really funny.”
If we could use sign language to talk to Koko right now we’d just say we’re sorry for the loss of her friend, and then we would give her a big hug!
Check out the amazing video tribute down (below) !
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