Sunday, June 24, 2018

Koko and Willie B.





It saddened me last week to hear of the passing of the gorilla named Koko, who was well known for learning sign language.  This reminded me of another gorilla.  You may click on the following and read this:

2011 post about Willie B




Yes, I wrote that during my first year of blogging.  I wanted very much for you to know of my experience of observing the gorilla, Willie B. at the zoo in Atlanta.  I have not been to Africa or worked in a zoo or am any kind of animal expert, just someone who notices things and tries to write about them.

Have you ever had a similar encounter with an animal that was so moving that you felt that you had to write about it?







My friends, I hope you are all keeping well.  I have lots of posts in mind, so hang in there with me!  In the meantime, here is a magnolia from the Monastery.  Wishing you peace.  

15 comments:

  1. Have you ever seen the work of Anthony Browne? He is a childrens illustrator who loves gorillas. He does such beautiful work. That magnolia is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think that was the same gorilla who Robin Williams cheered up. I loved that story

    ReplyDelete
  3. Poor Koko, i am sorry she is gone.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh- I know- it was heartbreaking that Koko passed away. A loss for all of us. What a beautiful magnolia!!! Hope you have a great week-xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes...I was saddened by the passing of Koko, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Koko's death is a great loss to the world. Such a gentle soul and she touched many people's hearts and lives for the better.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The story of Willie B stepping out into a more natural habitat and gently touching the leaf is heart wrenching, I had a picture book in my classroom for many years called "Koko's Kitten." My students who chose to read it loved it. We would usually watch a Reading Rainbow video of Koko during the year. It was terribly sad to hear that she had died.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have just been to re-read your first post about Willie B, my comment and your reply.
    The mixed feelings I have about zoos are still the same.
    I must admit I have never heard of Koko before so I can not say I grief her passing, but I understand she meant a lot to many people.
    The magnolia is really very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I did read about the passing of that wonderful animal. All nature's creations are amazing to me. That magnolia is picture perfect ! Hope you have a Happy Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is so sad about koko! Lovely capture of the magnolia bloom, we have a giant one in our yard and it is so pretty but I wish they lasted longer. Hope you have a great afternoon!

    Blessings,
    Jill

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm not a fan of animals in traditional zoos unless they have plenty of space, like a wildlife park, but they do help to preserve species. I believe there are more lions and tigers in captivity in the USA than left in the wild- probably the same for the great apes. Nice video.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Koko was such a wonderful animal. I loved seeing him with Mr. Rogers and Robin Williams, and with his kitten. So sad that he has left us.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I too was saddened about Koko.
    That magnolia bloom is beautiful.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your previous post about Willie B and this one about Koko are wonderful. That video was almost magical. I love to see somebody so passionate about animals and treating them with respect and love. So many of these amazing animals are mistreated. I'm glad that zoos have given natural habitats to animals we would never have the opportunity to see in person. Thanks for a great post and I'm was also so sorry to hear about Koko.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I hopped back to read your post about Willie B. I have mixed feelings about zoos, I know that thanks to television, we can all see images of animals in the wild without them having to be kept in captivity but on the other hand, to experience "meeting" these animals as you did, and as I and my children have done, can have a profound effect on us and strengthen our compassion for them. Thank you for sharing this. x

    ReplyDelete