Koko rose to world fame quickly in the mid-seventies when word spread that she had learned more than 170 words in American Sign Language, after three years of training — becoming the world’s first “talking” gorilla. By the end of Koko’s life, she could understand 2,000 words and “speak” 1,000. However, she will be remembered for more than just her intellect. Indeed, by communicating her feelings directly, Koko showed humanity that love, compassion, empathy, joy and grief transcend species.