There’s a viral video circulating that shows Koko the gorilla seemingly lecturing us on environmental issues. Koko, known for her ability to communicate using a modified form of American Sign Language, has captured the hearts of many. The video has amassed over 11 million views and has been shared more than 200,000 times on the Upworthy page. Their introduction states: “Koko, the gorilla who can converse with humans, was recently made aware of the stakes during the global climate summit. Edited for clarity, this is her reaction.”
While Koko is undeniably a beautiful animal with an impressive skill set, the notion that she can grasp the complexities of environmental devastation is a bit far-fetched. Did someone show her images of pollution or explain climate change? How could she possibly comprehend the urgent need for environmental restoration, even if the reality is dire?
I am gorilla. I am flowers… animals… I am nature. Man Koko love. Earth Koko love. But man… foolish. Foolish! Koko sorry. Koko cry. Time hurry! Fix earth. Help earth. Hurry! Protect earth. Nature see you. Thank you.
The ad, produced by the agency Marcel in collaboration with the environmental organization Noe and The Gorilla Foundation, was aimed at world leaders attending COP21, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in December. The video supports a petition that insists “the preservation of biodiversity must be included in the Paris Agreement.” It’s a compelling advertisement, but let’s not pretend Koko is genuinely delivering a message about the planet’s condition.
The editing may suggest she is responding, but that’s not the case. Although Koko may possess more charm than some political candidates, framing the video this way is misleading. It’s a touching advertisement, underscoring the pressing need for environmental stewardship. Yet, Koko is not the one urging us to act; she’s simply being used as a figurehead.
As noted by a science writer in a detailed piece for Slate on ape language research, “like all fairy tales, the narrative about talking apes is partly fabricated. No matter how much we might wish to empathize with them, they remain apes—albeit exceptionally intelligent ones.”
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In summary, while Koko the gorilla is an impressive figure, the idea that she can communicate complex environmental issues is misleading. The video serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental action, but let’s be clear about the role Koko plays in this narrative.