New Delhi, August 14 – Handlers of the Koko, world’s most intelligent gorilla have claimed that she was close to tears after she heard the news of Robin Williams’ untimely demise. The press release issued by The Gorilla Foundation said: On Tuesday, Aug 12, 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.
At the end of the day, Koko became very somber, with her head bowed and her lip quivering. In 2001, Robin Williams was invited to meet Koko, who communicates in sign language, at The Gorilla Foundation in northern California. During the visit, Koko and Williams became very special friends.
The Gorilla Foundation also released the video of the Williams’ meeting with Koko in 2001. The video showed how Robin made Koko smile – something she hadn’t done for over 6 months, ever since her lifelong gorilla companion, Michael, passed away at the age of 27.
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. 63-year-old Robin Williams was found dead on Monday at his home in Northern California.
-INDIA TODAY
