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How Human Should A Gorilla Be?

Koko, seen here with Penny Patterson (left) at age 4 1/2 — nearly 40 years ago — was taught sign language. June Monroe, an interpreter for the deaf at St. Luke's Church who helped teach Koko, is in the center. Bettmann Archive/Getty Images hide caption

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Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Opinion

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

How Human Should A Gorilla Be?

Chosen four decades ago for a sign language research project, gorilla Koko remains caught between ape and human worlds. Barbara J. King takes a look at her life as seen in a new documentary.

A Famous Gorilla Plays The Recorder, And We All May Learn Something

Koko with a recorder Ronald H. Cohn/The Gorilla Foundation hide caption

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Ronald H. Cohn/The Gorilla Foundation

Opinion

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

A Famous Gorilla Plays The Recorder, And We All May Learn Something

When Koko the gorilla plays tones on a recorder, she skillfully controls her breathing patterns. Commentator Barbara J. King explains why this is unexpected for a gorilla — and what it may mean for challenging ourselves to learn new skills throughout life.