Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks

The unique story of a life-long relationship between a scientist and Koko the gorilla.

See TV Schedule

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks

Premiered August 02, 2016

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks: asset-mezzanine-16x9

This video is unavailable in your area. Visit the PBS FAQ page for more information.

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks

In 1971 Penny Patterson began teaching sign language to a gorilla named Koko, unaware that this relationship would define both their lives. Over 40 years on, now internationally famous, Koko continues to redraw the line between people and animals.

More Ways to Watch

See TV Schedule

All Episodes

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks: Season 1

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks: asset-mezzanine-16x9

Watch (54:51)

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks

Program Specials & Extras

The unique story of a life-long relationship between a scientist and Koko the gorilla.

Watch (54:51)

Episode

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks

Although Penny and Koko were now deeply bonded, Koko still belonged to San Francisco Zoo.

Watch (02:24)

Clip

Battle for Koko

In this clip we see how Penny began to work with Koko.

Watch (03:05)

Clip

Early Days with Koko

About the Program

Koko - The Gorilla Who Talks

In 1971, Penny Patterson, a graduate student at Stanford University, met Koko, a new-born gorilla in San Francisco Zoo. Penny had grown up wanting to communicate with animals and decided to teach Koko sign language in the hope of finally crossing the boundary between animals and humans.