A video featuring Koko the gorilla is currently making waves online, with many viewers believing she is delivering a message about environmental issues. Koko, who gained fame for her ability to use a modified form of American Sign Language, has captured the hearts of many. The video has amassed over 11 million views and been shared more than 200,000 times on Upworthy’s platform. The introduction on Upworthy reads: “Koko, the gorilla that can talk with humans, was recently informed of what was at stake during the world’s climate-related summit. Edited for brevity and continuity, this is how she responded.”
While Koko is indeed a stunning animal, and her capacity to “communicate” with her trainers through sign language is remarkable, it is a stretch to believe she can fully comprehend complex topics like environmental degradation. Did anyone show her images of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Has anyone explained the nuances of global warming to her? It’s illogical to assume she has the cognitive ability to grasp the urgent need for environmental reform, even if that need is undeniable.
I am gorilla. I am flowers… animals… I am nature. Man Koko love. Earth Koko love. But man… foolish. Foolish! Koko sad. Koko cry. Time is short! Fix earth. Help earth. Hurry! Protect earth. Nature sees you. Thank you.
The advertising agency Marcel collaborated with the conservation group Noe and The Gorilla Foundation to create this campaign aimed at world leaders attending COP21, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in France in December. The video supports a petition urging that “the preservation of biodiversity must be included in the Paris Agreement.” While it is a compelling advertisement, we must recognize that Koko is not truly conveying a message about the planet’s state. Edited for brevity and continuity? Not really.
Though Koko might possess more charm than some political candidates—and her fur might be more appealing—the framing of this video is misleading. It is a poignant ad, and the reality of our planet’s decline is serious; we need to take action. However, Koko is merely being utilized as a symbol, rather than a genuine messenger.
As a science writer elaborated in Slate, “like all fairy tales, the one about talking apes is partly make-believe. No matter how much we wish to project ourselves onto them, they are still apes—albeit very intelligent ones.”
In conclusion, while Koko’s video may be stirring and thought-provoking, it is essential to remember that she is not actually advocating for environmental change. For those interested in learning more about home insemination methods and related topics, you can explore our other blog posts like this one or check out Make a Mom for authoritative information on the subject. Additionally, for valuable insights on pregnancy and home insemination, UCSF’s resource is highly recommended.