TIL Koko the gorilla didn't actually learn ASL and it's widely disputed the she could actually communicate

youtu.be
submitted
a year ago
byeldiscipulototodayilearned
11
The letter S in a light blue, stylized speech bubble followed by SpeakBits
SpeakBitsThe letter S in a light blue, stylized speech bubble followed by SpeakBits
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10 Comments

3
theonesource
a year ago
That is wild! Blows my mind that the researchers didn't even know ASL and basically taught a word away to sign exact words. All I've ever heard was that she could communicate everything and want like every other animal that learned steps to get treats.
2
eldiscipuloOP
a year ago
Really flies in the face of what I was taught through textbooks
2
theonesource
a year ago
Feels like most things we learn about later in life...
2
oldkingkong
a year ago
That is depressing to hear after everything I thought I knew bout Koko. I've always loved the Robin Williams story with her.
1
eldiscipuloOP
a year ago
What was the Robin Williams story?
2
oldkingkong
a year ago
She asked to see his nipples and he happily raised his shirt for her to twist them lol
2
eldiscipuloOP
a year ago
Aww that's such a cute story! I mean, this probably doesn't negate that because she was probably playful anyway!
2
oldkingkong
a year ago
I guess that's true, she was still apparently sad finding out about his death regardless of she could sign
1
eldiscipuloOP
a year ago
Noooo don't tell me that!
2
oldkingkong
a year ago
Sorry lol