Measuring the incredible impact Robin Williams had on the world is nearly impossible. He wasn’t just a legendary comedian; he had a rare gift for making people laugh even during their darkest times. But Robin’s ability to touch hearts extended beyond people—he even brought joy to a remarkable animal who needed comfort during her own time of grief.
In 2001, Robin Williams paid a very special visit to Koko, a western lowland gorilla known around the world for her incredible ability to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). Koko, who passed away peacefully in her sleep in 2018 at the age of 46, remains one of the most beloved animals in history. Many people remember Koko from the famous 1985 National Geographic cover featuring her cradling a tiny kitten—a sweet gift she received for her 13th birthday.
At that time, Koko had asked her caretakers for a pet cat. Initially, the team at The Gorilla Foundation gave her a plush toy, thinking it would make her happy, but it had the opposite effect. Ron Cohn, a biologist at the foundation, shared with the Los Angeles Times that, “We gave her a stuffed animal that looked realistic, but she was deeply upset.” Koko kept signing the word “sad,” clearly expressing her disappointment.
That changed on July 4, 1984, when Koko was given a tiny, fluffy Manx kitten without a tail. Because of its soft appearance, she named it “All Ball.” Despite her large size—she weighed around 230 pounds at the time—Koko handled the kitten with incredible gentleness, and the two formed a deep bond. Cohn explained how they would play together, with Koko gently cuddling and petting the kitten. Interestingly, the kitten interacted with Koko much like it would with a human—playful and independent. Sometimes, when the kitten didn’t want to be fussed over, it would bite or wiggle away, prompting Koko to sign “obnoxious cat,” showing both humor and understanding.
Tragically, later that same year, All Ball escaped from Koko’s enclosure and was struck by a car, passing away. The news devastated Koko. According to Cohn, when they broke the news to her, she seemed to ignore them for about ten minutes before softly hooting, a sound gorillas make when mourning. Everyone present was moved to tears. Koko signed “sleep cat” while gently folding her hands and resting them on the side of her head, indicating her sorrow.
Throughout her life, Koko had other animal companions, from cats and dogs to a cheeky parrot she nicknamed “Devil Tooth” because it once scared her. But one of her closest connections was with another gorilla named Michael. Rescued after poachers killed his mother, Michael arrived at the sanctuary in 1976 when he was just three years old. Born in 1973, just two years after Koko, Michael formed a sibling-like bond with her.
Michael’s story was heartbreaking. The Gorilla Foundation shared that he frequently recalled the traumatic memory of his mother’s death, describing in sign language the red blood, the violent struggle, and being taken away while his mother lay lifeless in the wild. He never forgot the poacher or his pain, but Koko was there for him—comforting him, playing with him, and helping him learn to communicate through sign language with the help of their caretakers.
Koko and Michael enjoyed watching movies, listening to music, and even painting—Michael’s artwork became known worldwide. He also became the first male gorilla to use sign language. Sadly, Michael passed away from congestive heart failure at the age of 28. Koko, no stranger to grief, was heartbroken by his death and became withdrawn and quiet.
To lift her spirits, her caretakers arranged a special visit from someone who knew how to make anyone laugh—Robin Williams. In a heartfelt video, Robin introduced himself by saying, “Hi, I’m Robin Williams. I recently had a life-changing experience communicating with a gorilla named Koko. We shared something truly incredible: laughter.” He explained that Koko understood spoken English and used more than 1,000 signs to express her thoughts and emotions about everyday life, love, and even death. Robin called it “unforgettable.”
At the time of their meeting, Koko hadn’t laughed in four months since Michael’s passing. But that day, she made a new friend who helped her rediscover joy. Koko immediately recognized Robin, having seen him in the movie “Jumanji,” and was thrilled. She repeatedly signed “tickle,” and whenever Robin playfully tickled her belly or thighs, she burst into contagious laughter. They played chase, rolled around on the ground, and enjoyed each other’s company like old friends.
Koko’s playful side shone through when she went through Robin’s pockets, checked out his wallet, and even took his sunglasses—trying them on in a way that made Robin laugh, joking that she actually looked great in them. Before leaving, Robin reached out to Koko, who pressed his hand to her cheek and signed “Koko love,” creating a moment that melted hearts everywhere.
When Robin Williams tragically passed away in 2014, The Gorilla Foundation released the beautiful video of their meeting to honor his memory. Koko’s ability to show emotions and communicate them reminds us all of the intelligence and emotional depth animals possess. Her story is a touching lesson in compassion, showing the world that love and grief are not limited to humans.
Seeing Robin Williams bring joy to Koko is a lasting gift—a beautiful example of how kindness, laughter, and understanding can transcend species. What are your thoughts on this heartwarming story? Let us know in the comments and be sure to share it with others so we can spread the love and joy even further.
