Twenty-Seven Years of Project Koko and Michael

摘要: Koko’s unique relationship with humans and other animals elicits a strong emotional reaction encourages people to identify her. It is our hope that for at least some of those people, identification will be translated into action on behalf gorillas all the great apes. As Tony Rose (1998b;this volume)points out, we are tribal primates when it comes taking conservation action. individuals count as close kin who come first us. We must therefore do everything within means promote very personal one-to-one connection gorillas. To date, have made use following achieve this: stories, photos, gorilla conversations in semi-annual journal, Gorilla ;personal replies letters from public;photos biographies gorillas;examples their artwork Internet web page;two AOL online chats Koko;Koko’s appearances popular television shows;a TV public service spot which Koko herself asked viewers “help” gorillas;publications such book Kitten aimed general audience;and ongoing free distribution materials about teachers school children. Our next projects include establishing visitor center open an adjunct sanctuary Maui, inclusion “Koko Cam” live video feed website, licensing various “Koko” products dolls software, perhaps most importantly, increased French-language editions books Story throughout African countries where still live. With charismatic ambassador helping bridge diminishing gap between human gorilla, not too late stop slaughter apes ensure future these beings truly kin.