Description: "Lessons From Koko: Language, Learning, and Respect for Our Planet"
When Francine "Penny" Patterson, a graduate student in psychology at Stanford, first saw Hanabi-Ko, a tiny, undernourished baby gorilla at the San Francisco Zoo more than 30 years ago, she had little inkling that "Koko" would become her constant companion — and the subject of the longest continuous study ever undertaken to teach language to another species. But within a year, Project Koko was underway, and in two weeks the gorilla was using correct signed gestures for food, drink, and more. Today, Koko — the world's most renowned gorilla — is drawing on a signing vocabulary of more than 1,000 words. She also understands over 2,000 words of spoken English.
Before Project Koko, very little was known about gorilla intelligence. In this special presentation, Dr. Patterson will discuss how the study of gorilla intelligence and behavior has led to an unprecedented understanding of the species' physical and psychological needs. Only through this knowledge can humans take the necessary steps to improve the treatment of captive gorillas and protect free-living gorillas from extinction. She will also share her insights on how Koko has sparked enthusiasm for learning among young people — especially those with special challenges — and awakened in many an understanding of the critical importance of respecting our planet.
