Extraordinary…
“Koko instantly connected with Robin,” Koko’s longtime caregiver, Dr. Penny Patterson, said at the time. “Koko, like us, can sense a person’s nature, and in this case, she was quickly drawn to Robin’s warm heart.”
for those who haven’t already seen this video, it should not be missed:
And here is a shortened video that accompanies the news of Robins’ death:
Robin Williams & Koko
http://news.yahoo.com/watch-robin-williams-communicating-with-koko-the-gorilla-211552228.html
Robin Williams was one of the most famous people on the planet. And Koko the gorilla is one of the most famous animals on the planet. So, when the two first met in 2001, it made sense that they would naturally get along.Koko is fluent in American Sign Language, can communicate in over 1,000 signs and can reportedly understand several English-language commands.
Williams was brought in to meet Koko at the Gorilla Foundation in northern California.
“We shared something extraordinary: laughter,” Williams says at the beginning of the video, when describing his experience of meeting Koko.
When they met, the gorilla, who was then 30 years old, took an instant liking to Williams, asking him repeatedly to tickle her.
Koko even returned the favor, reaching under Williams’ T-shirt to tickle and pinch him. Near the end of their first play date, the gorilla signed, “Koko love,” at the late actor and comedian.
The gorilla even repeatedly smiled at Williams before pulling him in for a loving embrace. At the time, Koko’s handlers said it was the first time she had smiled in six months, since a gorilla who was her childhood companion had passed away.
A few years later, in 2004, Williams produced a public service announcement with Koko to raise awareness about the plight of gorillas in the wild.
“Meeting Koko was unforgettable. Koko used sign language to ask me to play with her. We shared interspecies laughter,” Williams said in 2004.
“Koko instantly connected with Robin,” Koko’s longtime caregiver, Dr. Penny Patterson, said at the time. “Koko, like us, can sense a person’s nature, and in this case, she was quickly drawn to Robin’s warm heart.”
On Monday, Koko reportedly overheard Patterson discussing the sudden and unexpected death of Williams over the phone. Koko’s handlers posted to the Gorilla Foundation site that “She became extremely sad.”
“Robin’s ability to just ‘hang out’ with Koko, a gorilla, and in minutes, become one of her closest friends, was extraordinary and unforgettable,” the handlers wrote in a note on the Koko.org website.
“When you remember Robin Williams, remember that he is not only one of the world’s most beloved entertainers, he is also one of the world’s most powerful ambassadors for great ape communication.”
Reblogged this on Reiki Dawn and commented:
Connection
I saw this story on the news today, Cnawan. It touched me so deeply. I have been unable to deal with the sadness I feel about Robin Williams…such a tortured soul yet one who gave so much to humanity! Thanks for this post ❤
two extraordinary Spirits….showing the world we are connected
Thank you for sharing the post ,….it is a beautiful moment to watch
Take Care…You Matter..
)0(
maryrose
Reblogged this on Laura Bruno's Blog and commented:
This is precious! Thank you for sharing, Cnawan.
Thank you for posting… A former actor myself I had the divine honor of working with Robin… He was genuine… sincere… and total sweetheart. This morning I asked my crystal pendulum… “Did Robin Williams take his own life?”…
It said…
“Yes”…
Remarkable. If you ever post your memories of that experience, please let me know. Perhaps you have already?
You’re so sweet… I just love you to life 🙂
Reblogged this on Debi Bradford Photography and commented:
I was unable to come up with anything to post today, so sad I am about Robin Williams’ sudden passing. But I logged on determined to try, to post something, and I spied this post by my friend Cnawan. Perfect for reblogging….thanks, Cnawan.
I saw your blog and this is emotional and deep topic. Grieve is very difficult in life!
What an amazing soul. ..Robin Williams will be missed.
Thank you for sharing this.
I was so shocked at Mr. Williams’ death. The suicide really stunned me. I hope he is happier when he finally is resting. I know he made everyone here a bit happier with his humor. 😦
❤
Reblogged this on Our Enchanting Adventure and commented:
Like so many people, I have been very moved by Robin Williams’ death. This somehow seems even more poignant.
I remember this video… I think I am no alone in saying that Robin Williams will be sadly missed. ❤
very emotional video… ❤ RIP, Robin, you've just joined the brilliant dead actors society…
Melanie, that is so apt ~ “the brilliant dead actors society” ~ thank you for sharing that!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and the like.
Thank you also for sharing this beautiful friendship. It was so touching it brought tears to my eyes. I have shed many tears after hearing of Robin’s shocking death by his own hands. I will miss his wacky humor and kind heart and all he did to make all of us laugh. He is now making God laugh.
Wonderful, thank-you.
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Pingback: Koko grieves Robin’s death, was drawn to his warm heart | magicalhorses1167
This was so beautiful and I simply cried! It was a must share and Thank You! In Love and Light, Letitia of Lemuria
It touched me too, Letitia. Warm blessings to you.
I was very touched and emotional reading over your blog. The words can express by itself.!
What a beautiful post ~ it certainly touched my heart…thank you for sharing this remarkable moment with us. ♥ RIP Robin…
You’re so welcome. Thank you for your visit.
Reblogged this on Rethinking Life and commented:
This is a wonderful video of Robin and Koko. Touching and beautiful. I suggest you take a moment to watch it. So very, very sweet.
This was so wonderful. Robin Williams will be missed and I hope Koko feels better, she’s been through a lot. Thank you for this .
I couldn’t help but become emotional.
Beautiful and touching video!
RIP Robin Williams
In a sense of reality, Robin and Koko’s interaction shows us not that funny people can communicate with animals but that humans can… Koko just has discerning taste and handlers. Even a human struggling with depression can communicate with a cousin who likes to laugh and it demonstrates that not a lot of words are needed to have a great time. It demonstrates that friendly relations does not take special skills, only the willingness to care about another being.