In recent days, a video featuring Koko the gorilla has taken the internet by storm, with many claiming she’s delivering a message about our planet’s plight. Koko, renowned for her ability to communicate through a modified version of American Sign Language, has captured hearts everywhere. This clip has garnered over 11 million views and been shared more than 200,000 times, particularly on Upworthy, which introduces the video with the intriguing line: “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 undeniably a magnificent creature and her ability to “talk” is remarkable, let’s be real: expecting her to grasp complex topics like environmental degradation is a stretch. Did someone show her a graphic of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Did they explain climate change? How can we expect her to understand the urgency of fixing our planet, even if it’s a dire reality?
Koko signs: “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.”
An advertising agency, in collaboration with environmental conservation group Noe and The Gorilla Foundation, created this video to appeal to world leaders at COP21, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in France. The ad supports a petition urging that “the preservation of biodiversity must be written in the Paris Agreement.” It’s a powerful ad, indeed. However, let’s not confuse Koko’s charming presence with her delivering a genuine message about our planet’s state. It’s important to note that it’s a cleverly produced piece — not a direct plea from Koko herself.
As a science writer insightfully explains, “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’s video is heartfelt and moving, let’s not kid ourselves into thinking she’s actually lecturing us on environmental issues. She’s a beautiful animal used to convey a vital message, but the true responsibility lies with us humans to take action.
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