A video featuring Koko the gorilla is gaining traction online, showcasing her supposedly lecturing us on environmental concerns. Koko, who has captured hearts with her ability to use a modified version of American Sign Language, is adored by many. The clip has amassed over 11 million views and been shared more than 200,000 times just on the Upworthy platform. Upworthy’s introduction notes: “Koko, the gorilla that communicates with humans, was informed about the critical issues discussed at the recent climate summit. This is her edited response.”
Koko is indeed a magnificent animal, and it’s remarkable that she has learned to “speak” with her trainers through sign language. While it’s undeniable that humanity is wreaking havoc on the environment, the idea that Koko can truly understand complex issues like environmental degradation is a stretch, don’t you think? Did someone show her images of pollution or explain climate change? How could she grasp the urgency of fixing our planet, no matter how crucial it is?
“I am gorilla. I am flowers… animals… I am nature. Man Koko love. Earth Koko love. But man… stupid. Stupid! Koko sorry. Koko cry. Time hurry! Fix earth. Help earth. Hurry! Protect earth. Nature see you. Thank you.”
The advertising agency, Lumiere, collaborated with the environmental group Noe and The Gorilla Foundation to create this ad aimed at world leaders attending COP21, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in France in early December. The video supports a petition advocating for biodiversity preservation to be included in the Paris Agreement. While the ad is creative, it’s essential to recognize that Koko isn’t genuinely delivering a message about our planet’s state. The phrase “edited for brevity and continuity” is misleading; Koko didn’t actually provide any such message.
Although Koko may have more charisma than some political candidates (and certainly better hair), presenting her in this context is deceptive. The ad is powerful and moving; we must indeed take better care of our planet. However, Koko serves merely as a tool in this instance.
As a science writer pointed out in a comprehensive article for a renowned publication, “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.”
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In summary, while Koko the gorilla is an endearing figure, the notion that she is capable of delivering a meaningful environmental message is far-fetched. The ad may inspire concern for our planet, but Koko is ultimately being used as a prop rather than an authentic voice on the issue.