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How Robin Williams Brought Laughter to a Gorilla Grieving the Loss of Her Friend

How Robin Williams Brought Laughter to a Gorilla Grieving the Loss of Her Friend
How Robin Williams Brought Laughter to a Gorilla Grieving the Loss of Her Friend. Image created via CanvaPro

Laughter is often described as the universal language, but few would have imagined that it could bridge the gap between humans and animals. In the case of Robin Williams and Koko the gorilla, laughter became the catalyst for a bond that transcended species, reminding us of the power of connection, empathy, and healing.

Robin Williams: A Life of Joy and Hidden Pain

Robin Williams
Robin Williams. Source: Wikimedia Commons

“Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day… make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular.” Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society

Robin Williams was not just an actor—he was a force of nature. With an energy that seemed boundless, he transformed the worlds of comedy and film. From his early rise to fame as Mork from Ork in Mork and Mindy to his Academy Award-winning performance in Good Will Hunting, Williams was known for his wit, humor, and ability to touch audiences deeply. However, beneath the infectious laughter, he battled his own demons. In 2014, the world was devastated to learn of his passing, later revealed to be the result of Lewy body dementia, a neurodegenerative disease that cruelly took away his ability to function as he once did. His death was a stark reminder that even the brightest lights can struggle in the darkness.

Koko: The Gorilla Who Spoke with Her Hands

Koko the gorilla
Koko the gorilla. Source: YouTube: Kokoflix

Koko was no ordinary gorilla. She was born on July 4, 1971 at the San Francisco Zoo. Her original name was Hanabiko, which means “fireworks child” in Japanese. Koko  became world-famous for her ability to communicate using American Sign Language.

Under the guidance of researchers, Koko learned over a thousand signs and could understand thousands of English words. More than just a scientific marvel, she had a personality that was rich with emotion, curiosity, and intelligence. But in 2001, Koko was grieving. Her lifelong companion, another gorilla named Michael, had passed away, leaving her withdrawn and seemingly depressed. The researchers feared she might be suffering from severe melancholy. And so, they reached out to someone who knew a thing or two about lifting spirits—Robin Williams.

The Meeting That Changed Everything

Koko meets Robin
Koko meets Robin. Source: YouTube: Kokoflix

When Robin Williams arrived to meet Koko, he had no idea what to expect. He wasn’t a primatologist, and despite his ability to make people laugh, he wasn’t sure if he could connect with a grieving gorilla. But Koko took the lead. She approached Williams with the same curiosity a child might have for a new friend. She touched his face, examined his glasses, and quickly realized that the man before her was someone special.

Within minutes, the two were playing like old pals. Koko tickled Williams, a rare display of affection from a gorilla, and even used sign language to call him “funny man.” For the first time in months, she laughed—an authentic, deep, joyful laugh. The researchers were stunned. They had been struggling to lift Koko’s spirits, but in just one meeting, Williams had done the impossible. The actor himself was moved, realizing that humor and kindness had no language barrier.

A Friendship That Went Beyond Words

Koko and Robin sharing a moment
Koko and Robin sharing a moment. Source: YouTube: Kokoflix

From that moment on, Williams and Koko shared a bond. He would visit her when possible, bringing his unique blend of humor and warmth. He even recorded public service announcements alongside her, advocating for conservation efforts and animal rights. Their relationship was proof that empathy isn’t limited to humans—that even across species, love and friendship can form in the most unexpected ways.

Koko’s Grief When Robin Was Gone

Robin
Koko displayed grief at the news of Robin’s demise. Image created via CanvaPro

In 2014, when news of Robin Williams’ death reached Koko’s caretakers, they knew she would need to be told. When she was shown images of Williams and told he had passed away, Koko’s reaction was heartbreaking. She signed the word “cry” and spent the following days in quiet mourning, lips quivering, shoulders slumped. She had lost not just a visitor, but a friend.

The Legacy of Their Bond

Memories of Robin and Koko
Memories of Robin and Koko. Source: YouTube: Kokoflix

Koko passed away in 2018 at the age of 46, but her legacy, like Williams’, endures. She challenged the way we see animal intelligence and emotions, proving that love, humor, and grief are not unique to humans. Meanwhile, Robin Williams’ life remains a testament to the power of bringing joy to others, even when battling one’s own struggles.

A Reminder of Connection in a Divided World

A tender moment
A tender moment. Source: YouTube: Kokoflix

Their story is more than just an encounter between a famous actor and an intelligent gorilla—it’s a reminder that connection knows no boundaries. In a world often divided by differences, Williams and Koko remind us that kindness, laughter, and understanding can reach across even the widest of gaps. And in that moment when a gorilla and a comedian found joy in each other’s presence, we were all reminded of what it truly means to be alive. The video of Robin’s meeting with Koko is available on YouTube.

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