Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People

The read

It runs a compact 58m.

Synopsis

Documentary telling the extraordinary story of Koko, the only 'talking' gorilla in the world, and her lifelong relationship with Penny Patterson. Project Koko started as a PhD project to teach sign language to a baby gorilla, but as Koko began to communicate with Penny, an intense bond formed between them. Penny has now been with Koko for over 40 years and claims Koko can reveal fresh insights into the workings of an animal's mind. Koko's unique life with Penny has been filmed every step of the way. Over 2,000 hours of footage chart the most dramatic moments - Penny's battle to keep Koko from being taken back to the zoo in which she was born, Penny's clash with academic critics who doubted her claims and the image of Koko mourning the death of her kitten.

Ratings

Key crew

• Jonathan TaylorDirector

Cast

• Bertie CarvelNarrator (voice)
• KokoSelf
• Penny PattersonSelf
• Dale DjerassiSelf
• Lisa SchusterSelf
• Ann SouthcombeSelf
• Mitzi PhillipsSelf
• Robin WilliamsSelf (archive footage)
• Leonardo DiCaprioSelf (archive footage)
• Peter GabrielSelf (archive footage)
• Isabella RosselliniSelf (archive footage)
• William ShatnerSelf (archive footage)

Themes