After her childhood playmate passed away, Koko the gorilla fell into a deep depression, deeply worrying her handlers. However, when Robin Williams came to visit, everyone was astounded to see him make the gorilla laugh for the first time in six months.
When Robin Williams was invited to meet Koko the gorilla, handlers never expected the impact he would have on the animal. (Photo Credit: Screenshot)Beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams lived to make others laugh. With his high energy and remarkable talent for capturing the depth of every emotion, he possessed the innate ability to connect with people on a deeper level both on-camera and off. Incredibly, this gift also transcended the human race.
When the Gorilla Foundation in California invited Williams in 2001 to visit Koko, a gorilla who uses American Sign Language to communicate with her human handlers, they had hoped the meeting would cheer up the primate. Koko had just lost her best friend, a gorilla named Michael, who she had known since childhood. Little did they know that Williams would change Koko’s life forever.
In just minutes, Robin Williams got the primate to do something her handlers hadn’t seen in the six months since her best friend’s death. (Photo Credit: Screenshot)Koko had recently watched a movie starring Williams, which her handlers hoped would familiarize her with the actor’s face. When he walked into the enclosure, no one knew what to expect. The comedian sat down in a chair next to the massive ape and introduced himself. Almost instantly, the pair connected on an emotional level.
Koko immediately grabs Williams’ hand and guides him to sit next to her on the floor. She then inspects the actor, sniffing his hand and removing his glasses, which she cleverly tries on.
