Koko's ability to use sign language to communicate with people warmed the hearts of millions worldwide.
She even became best friends with Robin Williams, and felt tremendous grief after learning about his tragic death in 2014.
It wasn't just Koko's ability to learn American Sign Language that stunned the world, it was her empathetic personality and worldview that everyone found to be so fascinating.
As Koko got better at communicating, thanks to the efforts of animal psychologist Francine "Penny" Patterson, many people wondered, "What could ape say to mankind?"
The former San Francisco Zoo resident actually had a lot of important things to say.
Gorillas may not be smarter than humans, but we sure could learn a lot from them.
A few years before Koko passed away, she shared an important message to humankind that needs to be heard now more than ever.
For the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Koko had an important message for world leaders.
"I am gorilla. I am flowers, animals. I am nature," she began signing in front of a dark background.
"Man Koko love. Earth Koko love," she continued. "But man stupid, stupid! Koko sorry. Koko cry. Time hurry."
Then she looked down in deep thought, before finishing off her message. "Fix Earth. Help Earth. Hurry! Protect Earth. Nature see you. Thank you."
As much as many people would like to deny the existence of climate change, it's only doing a disservice to the world by thinking that the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of the environment is not making a negative impact on the world.
As Koko said, she's part of nature, and so are we.
It's humankind that has a powerful impact on this world, and it's up to us to change the world for the better.
You may be interested in reading:
Heartbreaking Tributes Pour in After Famous Gorilla who 'Captivated the World' Dies at 46.
Koko, The Famous Gorilla Who Learned Sign Language, to Be Laid to Rest at Animal Sanctuary.
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