One of the World's most intelligent animals has died. Koko, a Western Lowland Gorilla, died today at the age of 46.
This Western Lowland Gorilla was very intelligent. She showed that she was self-aware. Videos can be seen of her looking at her reflection in the mirror. This self-awareness in mirrors is rare in animals. Only a handful of animal species, such as gorillas, pigs and dolphins, have shown that they are aware that they are seeing themselves in the mirror.
Koko's intelligence went further though. She was an animal that was taught, and more remarkably - learned, how to do sign language. Something that shows that communicating with animals, and animals communicating with us, is possible.
Koko also showed compassion and friendship. She befriended and showed compassion towards several kittens in her life. Showing that the capacity for feeling emotions reaches beyond humans - it extends to animals too.
Gorillas In The Wild
There are two species of gorilla in the wild, the Western gorilla and the Eastern gorilla. Both of them are Critically Endangered. They also have several subspecies, which are also endangered.
For example, one of the most endangered animals in the world is the Mountain Gorilla. According to the WWF there are only 880 of these gorillas left. However, it's also reported that there are just over 1000 left. Either way, this gorilla is on the verge of extinction and could be gone within our lifetime.
You can help these animals from going extinct, by adopting a gorilla with the WWF.