Comments On: Gorilla Memorial Issue

Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 1
farewell, sweet silverback
Staring at a blank computer screen with a flashing cursor, at first I couldn't seem to find the words. I tried reading through old journal entries, looking at endless pictures of Michael, reading articles about him and remembering the times I shared with him personally. Then, I began reading hundreds of condolences from our wonderful members, old staff and friends from around the globe. These letters and emails have been a great comfort, and it was amazing to see how deeply Michael had touched people, even from afar. As I considered how Michael's death had such an affect on so many people, a question began to form in my mind:
I suppose the most obvious answer to this question is that he was a gorilla who was taught sign language. Michael came to the Gorilla Foundation in 1976 when he was three years old. Koko was five and already had four years of instruction under her belt. But Mike was a quick learner, and he soon was able to use sign language to communicate with his instructors and Koko, too. He would eventually learn about 500 signs, while Koko learned about 1000. Both gorillas understood spoken English, as well.
As we have not yet been clever enough to figure out the natural language of gorillas, teaching them a human sign language has given us new insight into their minds. In addition to showing us many wonderful sides to his personality, Mike was able to express emotions we would not have known existed without sign language. In one conversation, he relayed the heartbreaking experience of seeing his family murdered by poachers and the grief he felt.
Mike was also Koko's close friend. While they enjoyed rough-and-tumble sessions when they were young, Mike began to see Koko in a new light as they matured. In fact, it seemed as if they were starting to develop a pair bond. Ideally, this would have led to mating, and ultimately a baby, something everyone had hoped for, especially Koko. Unfortunately, as the years passed, it became apparent that, although Mike was willing, Koko had come to think of him as a brother, not a mate.
I cannot write about Mike without discussing his inquisitive nature, which became apparent at an early age. Always fascinated by how things were put together, Mike often occupied his time by taking them apart! Whether it was bathroom scales or ceiling tiles, Mike mastered the art of destruction. Toys became chewed up pieces of litter, and blankets were shredded. (Sounds like Trouble!)
Mike took this destructive tendency one step further and began eating almost anything he could get his hands on, whether it was edible or not. Thus, for his own safety, Mike could not have many of the toys that Koko and Ndume were given. This didn't stop him from trying, though. I have witnessed Koko ever-soslyly trying to slip Mike "contraband" in the form of a nice, chewy plastic toy. When Mike did get a hold of one these forbidden treasures, he sometimes traded the whole toy for something better (such as a delicious apple). Other times, Mike was happy to trade the toy back to you - in pieces.
Ultimately, the only thing Mike didn't seem to eat was rubber tubs, although he was able to turn one tub into several pieces, all with their own purposes. Some pieces were long and thin, which he used as "fishing" sticks to remove food from a ledge or to open and close his mesh- covered window. Other pieces were flat, perfect to slide under his gate and reach a nut on the other side.
Then, there was Mike, the artist. Given canvas and acrylics, he found a new way to express himself, creating exquisite pieces from memory, models arid suggestions. Each painting, regardless of the subject matter, offered a rare glimpse of the wide range of emotions he possessed, including joy, sorrow, fear, contentment, anger and love.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 2
Michael created many still-life paintings, which often exhibited striking resemblances to his models. Some of his more popular works included his "Toy Dinosaur" and "Pepper" paintings. A large bouquet of flowers served as the model for his most remarkable still life, which Michael titled, "Stink Gorilla More." It was a stunning display of vibrant colors and varied brushstrokes used to form a dazzling array of flowers. (Stink is the gorillas' word for flower, and he signed more because the bouquet was so large.)
Michael also painted portraits. Interestingly, Michael used identical brush strokes in his portraits of Penny and Ron. He also created a portrait of himself and a portrait of his close friend and teacher, Tyler Richardson. There are intriguing similarities between these two, including Michael's selection of the same rainbow colors and brush strokes. His most striking portrait is that of his dog, Apple, which he created from memory and titled "Apple Chase." The resemblance between dog and painting is astonishing.
Michael's painting slowed when he developed a taste for his paint. Staff members concocted a variety of foul-tasting, non-toxic paints, but Michael's appetite was not diminished. Indeed, some of them he liked even more!
Trying to find a creative yet less edible outlet, Penny and Ron decided to explore Mike's taste for music. Initially, Michael was exposed both to music he could listen to and instruments he could use to create his own. It wasn't long, though, before his "inquisitive" nature surfaced, and he began to view the instruments as new and exciting demolition projects
Without musical instruments at his disposal, Michael did what all good musicians do--he improvised. Using rubber tubs, pieces of pipes, the mesh in his room and even his own body, Mike created a variety of rhythmic medleys, playing either solo or with the accompaniment of his caregivers. Recently, Research Assistant Ty Robb created a "Mikeproof' xylophone, which was mounted in the yard. As with his other instruments, Mike attempted to find its weakness. Unsuccessful in that endeavor, he began to explore the musical possibilities of the new device. While he failed to compose his first sonata, light, resonant tones could occasionally be heard from the yard. In addition to his own tunes, classical music continued to fill his rooms almost daily, as this genre seemed to be his favorite.
Mike had so many other special qualities, including a gentle spirit. While Koko is wellknown for her affection toward her cats, many people do not know that Michael also had a fondness for other animals. When Koko's kitten. All Ball, died, she received a new, orange kitten and named him Lips Lipstick. Although Lips was Koko's kitten, Mike enjoyed playing with him. It wasn't long before Michael declared, My red cat. Red cat good. Koko kindly allowed Mike to have Lips while she chose a new kitten, Smoky.
Although Mike loved Lips, he developed a real bond with his dogs, which only makes sense because cats don't play chase very well. Michael would play for hours with his dogs, Smile and Apple. After they passed away, a new German Shepherd puppy joined the Foundation family. Mike quickly named the new arrival Stink (Flower). A few years later, Flower was joined by Max, a Staffordshire Terrier. Games of chase between Mike and Max often lasted until both were exhausted but happy. Mike would end the sessions by falling lazily to the ground to rest in the warm sun as Max retreated for a long, cool drink of water in the shade.
Games of chase were not reserved for gorillas and dogs alone. Many a caregiver has fulfilled their daily workout goal by running miles around the large yard with Mike. But some of his most playful moments occurred behind the closed doors of his rooms.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 3
I remember the first time I was privileged with such a session. It was a beautiful day outside. Koko and Ndume were enjoying some time alone in the yard, so Mike was indoors, with his windows open to allow the sunshine to splash across his rooms. I stood in Mike's kitchen, having just fed him his afternoon meal and drink. We were both enjoying the warmth of the sun shining inside, when he suddenly requested that I cover all the windows. I grudgingly complied, after much insistence from Mike. So, there we sat in the dark, when an amazing thing happened. It seemed simple at first: A little piece of blanket was pushed through the mesh by black fingers I could barely see in the darkness. I hesitated, then pulled part of the blanket through. There was a gentle tug from the other side of the mesh, so I tugged back. Soon, I found myself involved in a frolicking game of tug, with abundant laughter coming from both sides of the mesh.
I was to learn that this was an inaugural experience many caregivers shared with Mike. The indoor sessions weren't always the same. Mike would vary the game by adding chase requests, where the opponent was required to run back and forth outside from one end of his rooms to the other. knocking on his walls as he knocked back. Arriving at the entrance to the back of Mike's rooms, the opponent would often spring the door open only to see Mike's beautiful silver back racing into the other room. A variation on this theme involved Mike draping a long blanket ever his head, giving him a "Lawrence of Arabia" look as he flew from room to room. Another faviorite playtime activity entailed rolling around back and forth on the floor, until the caregiver became too dizzy and weak with laughter to continue. The bond between human and gorilla never felt stronger than when lying on the floor in the dark, looking into the mesmerizing eyes of this beautiful silverback, who purred softly in return.
Mike would augment these sessions with many play gestures, purrs and laughs. He also loved to "scare" people as they went by his window, jumping up with a loud bang as his magnificent head suddenly appeared in the window.
One caregiver, Michael Grofe, developed a new activity with Mike called the "Nut Game." The game was simple enough. Place a nut on the track of the mesh-covered window, and leave it for Mike to fish out. Using his mechanically inclined mind, Mike devised a tub piece to remove the nut from the groove. The game demonstrated Mike's ability to assess a situation and come up with a successful solution. Unfortunately, Mike mastered this game very quickly, and he repeatedly requested to play. As nuts were only given as special treats and not on demand, the Nut Game was only played occasionally.
And, of course, there's Mike's wonderful sense of humor. During his frequent begs for nuts, he knew he could always win his caregiver over by making a long series of comical facial expressions, which usually resulted in laughter and a nut. Not only did he enjoy making his caregivers laugh, but he appreciated a good joke, too. He was particularly fond of jokes made at a caregiver's expense. One day, Mike began a long series of requests for nuts. Research Assistant Matevia Stopped the constant nagging by telling him, "The only nuts I have are the ones in my brain!" Mike's response was hearty laughter.
A few years ago, the Foundation began the long process of trying to bring another female gorilla to the facility as a mate for Mike. To prepare for her arrival, we initiated steps to socialize our gorillas into one group. Previously, Mike and Ndume never shared the same yard, although they spent a great deal of time together in adjoining yards. In the past, it was not customary to house two silverbacks together for fear of injury. However, more zoos are realizing the need to establish "bachelor" groups because of the excess number of males in the captive population. Very few bachelor groups have been socialized thus far, and those that have been attempted have met with mixed results. However, we were optimistic that our males would get along.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 3
I remember the first time I was privileged with such a session. It was a beautiful day outside. Koko and Ndume were enjoying some time alone in the yard, so Mike was indoors, with his windows open to allow the sunshine to splash across his rooms. I stood in Mike's kitchen, having just fed him his afternoon meal and drink. We were both enjoying the warmth of the sun shining inside, when he suddenly requested that I cover all the windows. I grudgingly complied, after much insistence from Mike. So, there we sat in the dark, when an amazing thing happened. It seemed simple at first: A little piece of blanket was pushed through the mesh by black fingers I could barely see in the darkness. I hesitated, then pulled part of the blanket through. There was a gentle tug from the other side of the mesh, so I tugged back. Soon, I found myself involved in a frolicking game of tug, with abundant laughter coming from both sides of the mesh.
I was to learn that this was an inaugural experience many caregivers shared with Mike. The indoor sessions weren't always the same. Mike would vary the game by adding chase requests, where the opponent was required to run back and forth outside from one end of his rooms to the other. knocking on his walls as he knocked back. Arriving at the entrance to the back of Mike's rooms, the opponent would often spring the door open only to see Mike's beautiful silver back racing into the other room. A variation on this theme involved Mike draping a long blanket ever his head, giving him a "Lawrence of Arabia" look as he flew from room to room. Another faviorite playtime activity entailed rolling around back and forth on the floor, until the caregiver became too dizzy and weak with laughter to continue. The bond between human and gorilla never felt stronger than when lying on the floor in the dark, looking into the mesmerizing eyes of this beautiful silverback, who purred softly in return.
Mike would augment these sessions with many play gestures, purrs and laughs. He also loved to "scare" people as they went by his window, jumping up with a loud bang as his magnificent head suddenly appeared in the window.
One caregiver, Michael Grofe, developed a new activity with Mike called the "Nut Game." The game was simple enough. Place a nut on the track of the mesh-covered window, and leave it for Mike to fish out. Using his mechanically inclined mind, Mike devised a tub piece to remove the nut from the groove. The game demonstrated Mike's ability to assess a situation and come up with a successful solution. Unfortunately, Mike mastered this game very quickly, and he repeatedly requested to play. As nuts were only given as special treats and not on demand, the Nut Game was only played occasionally.
And, of course, there's Mike's wonderful sense of humor. During his frequent begs for nuts, he knew he could always win his caregiver over by making a long series of comical facial expressions, which usually resulted in laughter and a nut. Not only did he enjoy making his caregivers laugh, but he appreciated a good joke, too. He was particularly fond of jokes made at a caregiver's expense. One day, Mike began a long series of requests for nuts. Research Assistant Matevia Stopped the constant nagging by telling him, "The only nuts I have are the ones in my brain!" Mike's response was hearty laughter.
A few years ago, the Foundation began the long process of trying to bring another female gorilla to the facility as a mate for Mike. To prepare for her arrival, we initiated steps to socialize our gorillas into one group. Previously, Mike and Ndume never shared the same yard, although they spent a great deal of time together in adjoining yards. In the past, it was not customary to house two silverbacks together for fear of injury. However, more zoos are realizing the need to establish "bachelor" groups because of the excess number of males in the captive population. Very few bachelor groups have been socialized thus far, and those that have been attempted have met with mixed results. However, we were optimistic that our males would get along.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 4
Initial sessions were filled with certain territorial exchanges that were to be expected. As time went on, both gorillas made remarkable progress and were starting to settle into a comfortable routine. They respected each other's space and only engaged in minor scuffles. Both gorillas seemed to anticipate their time to ether and became quite excited Ndume would spin like a breakdancer in his room and rush from window to window as we set up the yard. Mike would wait eagerly by his gate to be let out. When the gates were opened, both gorillas rushed out into the large yard. It was a thrilling sight. During the later sessions, Koko sat in her chute, with Penny at her side so they could watch the boys together.
Life wasn't all fun and games for Mike, though. As a silverback, Michael's primary role was to protect his family, and he took this job very seriously. Often, when Mike was out in the yard, he spent his time patrolling. He had a view of the road through the trees and spent a great deal of time staring in that direction, watching for any signs of trouble. Fulfilling this role was hard on Mike. He was extremely sensitive to any unusual activities. Noise from the road, from construction work nearby or strangers on the property upset Mike terribly. These disturbances affected Mike in a number of ways; but outwardly, he usually suffered bouts of diarrhea and became very nervous and jumpy, often requesting to be closed into his rooms. Ndume took his cues from Mike and also became upset by such disruptions. Therefore, we tried to keep Mike's life as stress-free as possible. But we don't have control over the roadway or neighboring property, and Mike frequently experienced high levels of anxiety. The only way we knew to relieve Mike's stress was to build a sanctuary far from the environment that caused him so much grief. Unfortunately, the strain got to Mike before the Maui preserve could be constructed.
On April 19, 2000, at 10:45 a.m., Michael collapsed outside in the small yard. Penny and caregivers rushed to his aid, performing CPR until emergency crews arrived, while Koko and Ndume looked on from the large yard. Koko and Ndume were understandably upset, and we explained to them that we were trying to help Mike. Despite the valiant efforts of all the staff, Michael could not be revived. Michael died, at the age of 27, with his family at his side.
The first few days after Michael's death were extremely difficult for all of us, but the hardest part was trying to comfort Koko and Ndume. Gorillas do not cry tears like we do, but they use vocalizations to express their sadness. Ndume and Koko uttered frequent hootcries and wore lost, dazed expressions that mirrored the faces of the staff. Both of the gorillas seemed reluctant to spend time alone, so caregivers stayed with them for comfort. Koko cried nightly after bedtime and she seemed to go through mood swings for the first couple of weeks.
Before Mike's death, Penny, Ron, Koko and Mike cherished their bedtime routine together. Ron usually sat with Koko in one of Mike's rooms, while Mike enjoyed the visit from his other room. The first evening after Mike died, Ron sat in Michael's rooms. Koko came in to join him, and she immediately looked for Mike in his other room. Through tears, Ron told her, "Mike's gone," but she continued to search for him. Finally, she returned to her own room and started to cry.
The next day, Penny and Ron sat with Koko. Penny cried as she tried to explain what had happened. Koko told her, Cry no. They opened both of Michael's rooms, and Koko quickly went in. She looked through his blankets and tubs and then peered through the window to the yard, as if hoping to find him there. She spent several long moments in silence as she sat among Mike's things. The following morning, when Ron asked Koko what she wanted, Koko replied, Mike, Mike (signing once with each hand).
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 5
Many people know how upset Koko was over the loss of her kitten, All Ball. To describe her sorrow, she would often use the signs sad and frown. Following Mike's death, Koko has expressed her grief with the words sorry and cry.
Two weeks after the incident, Penny tried to talk with Koko about Mike. Koko continually signed Sorry. Penny tried comforting her. "Oh honey. We're all sorry. Sometimes we don't understand what happens or why." Koko responded with Sorry. "I think you are especially sorry." Koko rubbed her eyes and signed Me sorry thirsty want. Penny told her, "We would all like it to be different. Sometimes we can't change things when we want to." The next morning, Koko held up one of Mike's blankets, sought eye contact with Penny and signed Sorry again.
Penny also tried to comfort Koko by assuring her that Mike was still watching over her. In one conversation, Penny called Koko "angel," she went on to say, "Angel in blue room [Koko's room], and angel in this [Mike's room] room. Angels everywhere." Koko replied Imagine.
Koko's sadness was still strong after the third week. Penny's sister, Jenifer, came to visit. When she asked Koko how she was feeling, Koko replied Cry.
Koko continues to spend time in Mike's rooms. We have saved his blankets, which she frequently picks up and smells. While in his room one evening, she gathered up all of her blankets and all of Mike's and made one big nest out of them. When it was time for bed, she did not want to leave his rooms. A few days later, after nesting in Mike's room, Koko took all the blankets to her own room to sleep.
Ndume has also been deeply affected by this loss. Gorillas are very social animals, and Ndume has lived here as part of Mike and Koko's family for nine years. Even though he had access to the yard, Ndume spent most of his time indoors the days following Mike's death. He often sat huddled in the corner with his arms hugging his knees to his chest, or he would alternate hootcrying* with nervous play gestures and love-pats.
When Ndume did venture outside the day after Michael died, Penny saw him take a blanket and go to the spot where Michael died. He sat there pensively for quite some time, staring at Penny. The following day, he returned to the spot with several blankets, built a nest and again sat quietly. He also took his blue barrel outside and placed it in front of Mike's window. Climbing up on it, he strained to peek in Mike's windows, perhaps looking for him. Penny and Ron opened Mike's room so Ndume could go inside. For the first few days he had access, Ndume almost never left Mike's rooms. He even brought all of his toys and blankets from his room into Mike's room.
Just one of many heartbreaking events occurred at a time when Ndume and Mike would have normally gone out for an interaction session together. In the past, prior to each interaction, both gorillas were given a cup of herbal relaxing tea, which seemed to help calm them down. One morning, a few days after Mike's death, Ndume was given a cup of the tea because he had been so upset. Drinking the tea seemed be a cue for Ndume that an interaction was going to take place. He began spinning in his room and anxiously peered out the window. When he was given access to the yard, he raced out and began looking all around. He quickly realized that Mike was not there.
Since this time, both Koko and Ndume have spent a great deal of time in Mike's rooms. When given access, Ndume grabs all of his blankets and toys from his room and moves them into Michael's rooms. Even on sunny days, it can be tough to persuade him to go outside. Koko also enjoys time alone in Mike's rooms, where she can sit with his tubs and blankets. Thus far, the two don't seem to want to share the space.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 6
A private memorial was held for Michael one week after his death at the site of his collapse. Led by Tony Rose, of the Biosynergy Institute, Penny, Ron, Koko, Ndume and the staff stood and remembered Michael and the events of the prior week. We then planted one of Michael's favorite trees, an apple tree (generously donated by Brenda Ellison and her father, Pat), outside Koko's room, where she can watch it grow. Another memorial was held for staff and volunteers at a nearby lakeside site, where everyone shared their memories and spoke of how Michael touched their lives. (A special thank you to Elena Mariti of Bella Floral Art for providing flowers for the ceremony.) A public memorial will be planned in the local area at a later date, so that our wonderful members and supporters can remember Mike and say farewell.
Necropsy results from the University of California, Davis concluded that Michael died of fibrosing cardiomyopathy, which causes heart failure. Other than this condition, he was in excellent physical health. Cardiovascular disease accounts for. about 41% of captive adult gorilla deaths. It is most often seen as sudden death with no previously recognized symptoms. This was the case with Michael.
As with the death of a child, both Penny and Ron have suffered an immeasurable loss. Koko is also going through all the steps of the grieving process. Ndume is realizing that he must now take over the role of the protector. He has started to patrol the yard, much the same way Mike did. It is eerie to see him assume postures that are identical to those Mike used while he was "on duty." To the Research Assistants, who had been accepted as members of his extended family, Michael was a true friend and equal. He was an integral part of every single day. It is extremely difficult to walk past his rooms, see his bowls, look at his tub pieces, see his nut jar. We still catch ourselves walking down the path and looking to Mike's window, expecting to see his face or fingers on the other side. Only time will help to ease the pain.
Memories of Michael's death still linger. I remember looking around the group, all of us exhausted from our attempts to breath life into Mike's lungs and pump blood through his body. With mud-covered knees and tears in our eyes, we could only stare in disbelief. While we will never forget that horrible day, we will always remember the good times we shared with Mike, and each of us will remember him in a different way. I remember Mike and Megan, standing in the middle of a winter storm, catching raindrops on their tongues. I remember Mike and his unending desire to play chase with Ty. I remember Susanne doing handstands until her face was blue, trying to get Mike to imitate her (which he did, but only when she wasn't looking). DeeAnn used all her strength to pull a 400 pound Mike around the floor on a blanket as they both laughed uncontrollably. Marilyn couldn't resist Mike's frequent requests for the Nut Game. Dina kept Mike in shape by doing exercises with him and shared special time with him when she put him to bed at night. Serena Rose was becoming Mike's new friend. Malinda watched over Mike in the evenings after we all went home, and Loretta comforted Mike with her soft voice. I remember countless hours I spent entertaining and being entertained by my gorilla friend. And, I remember Penny and Ron, who gave Mike the opportunity to express his feelings and share them with the world. Because of these two people and their gorilla family, the world has a much greater understanding and respect for gorillas.
As I sit here now, my computer screen is no longer blank. The pages are filled, and my tissue box is empty. When I began writing this article, I wanted to tell everyone what a magnificent, sensitive, playful, creative, witty, mischievous, intelligent gorilla Michael was. Now, as I reread these letters and emails filled with love, support and sympathy, I realize, you already knew.
Mandy Allen
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 7
The Mechanical Mind of Michael
Performing construction and maintenance work around the gorillas and their
facilities has proven difficult at times, yet it has provided me with some of
my most interesting observations and interactions. Given gorilla schedules
for feedings and yard time, I often find myself in a rush to finish a project
before my work area returns to its natural state of intended use as a gorilla
bedroom or play area. The gorillas have become accustomed to my pounding and
sawing in their direct vicinity and my footsteps falling across their
rooftops, as I attempt to keep them warm, dry and comfortable while not
causing too huge a commotion. Over time, Koko and Ndume have come to pay
little attention to my necessary intrusions into their generally peaceful
world, but one gorilla in particular is an intrepid observer of my work. As I
go about my business I can feel his presence close to me, his black shadow
breaking the monotonous pattern of the yard mesh. Mike's interest in my work
is not only casual observation, but at times it has become an interactive
experience, an honest attempt to understand my work and, perhaps, even to
duplicate it.
Michael, by his nature, is extremely curious, yet still quite cautious.
Initially his caution may keep him at a distance, but eventually he is
propelled closer, as his fear is replaced by the desire to check out what
disturbs his domain. As a silverback, that is his duty, and Mike takes this
role very seriously. When I first came to work at the Foundation, I was able
to take advantage of Mike's curiosity to help acclimate him to my presence.
As I worked increasingly closer to the mighty ape, his fear of me dissipated.
It was not long before my work was constantly being interrupted by rasps and
knocks aimed at getting my attention. I would turn around to find Mike
sitting there, hands grasping the mesh above his head, peering at me,
awaiting an explanation as to why I was there, what I was doing and, most
importantly, why no one had consulted him first!
My first experience attempting to fix a problem with the gorilla facilities
occurred only a few months after I began working here, when Mike, in his
usual rough manner, had managed to knock his yard gate out of alignment. The
remedy involved me climbing underneath his facility with a small sledgehammer
and adjusting a large threaded wing nut with repeated blows. Mike was inside
his rooms with all his windows closed, as we attempted to shield him from my
presence. As I crawled on my belly through the underworkings of his home, I
was greeted with a thunderous bang. I reached for my sledge and began
pounding the gate back into alignment. My first strike released a symphony of
bangs and crashes directly above me. It was obvious to me that not only did
Mike understand that someone was beneath his facility fiddling about, but
that it was me, the new guy, causing all the commotion beneath his feet. I
closed my eyes and pictured this behemoth jumping into the air and kicking
the floor with all his strength. I felt the structure shake and lurch every
few seconds as he repeatedly expressed his displeasure. I hoped for the
facility to remain on its foundations and for the floor to withstand the
punishment it was receiving. Of course, the floor held, and I completed my
task. Mike eventually settled down and went on with his day, but I couldn't
help but feel that maybe I had crossed a line with Mike and been too invasive
too fast. However, rather than hindering our relationship, it soon seemed
that this event helped Mike begin to develop a fascination with the
occasional maintenance I had to perform. I could tell that Mike was still
apprehensive about me, but his interest in what I was doing would always
overcome his apprehension.
Mike and I began to spend more time together. I hadn't yet become fully
acclimated with the other gorillas, and because we were short-staffed at the
time, I was often assigned to care for Mike several days every week. This
worked out well because it gave me the opportunity to simultaneously complete
several construction tasks while providing some entertainment for Mike. If I
was working near one of the gorillas' facilities or yards, Mike would find a
comfortable spot to perch himself and observe every movement I would make,
every nail I would drive or board I would cut. I found that if I approached
Mike with a tool or some project I was working on, he would sit and listen
intently to my descriptions of my actions. On other occasions when I would
speak to Mike, or try to make face to face contact with him, he would turn
his eyes away. For gorillas, this kind of eye contact is a threat of
aggression. When I was working on a maintenance project, Mike would relax his
guard, plop down on his stomach, rest on his elbows and hold his hands under
his chin much in the way you see a small child lie on the floor watching
television or listening to a story. I found I could look directly at him, and
he'd allow our eyes to meet. That was the moment that I could really see the
gears turning. I'd watch his eyes as they'd shift their focus from my eyes,
to my hands, to my work, then to my eyes again. I would ask him if he'd like
me to explain what I was doing, and he would reply with the affirmative good,
then sit and listen quietly. These became some of the first occasions in
which he would sustain eye contact with me.
Brad and Trouble

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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 9
Final words from a friend
The following 'paragragh .is an excerpt from an essay titled, "Michael and Me," written by our friend, Tony Rose. The full text can be seen on the Bustmeat Project website at www.biosynergy.org/bustmeat. We also plan to print the entire article on our next journal, as well as post it on our own website. However, we wanted to share some of Tony's touching words with you now.
Quote from "Michael and Me," by Tony Rose
"...Today we grieve for Penny, Ron, Koko, Ndume and all those beings who were privileged by Michael's friendship, his trust and his love. Their loss is great. They watched him suffer a lifetime of fear and ambivalence; shared his moments of genius and faith. They will recognize an emptiness where Michael stood, day after day after day, for the rest of their lives.
And we also grieve for ourselves - we who longed for, but never knew the touch of the giant. Our emptiness is enormous, for it is a void well known yet never filled. And we grieve for those billions of people and apes who, like Michael and me, have lost our connection with our original family and our original homeland. We are all, after all, exiles from Eden - drawn by desire and desperation, by cruelty and ignorance, into an alien world not of our own making. Michael the gorilla lived and died remembering how the world was created. Now he has been released from longing. Michael, the gorilla who talks, has gone Home."
During the course of this tragedy, several agencies and individuals offered assistance and support. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of those who came to our aid and helped us through this terrible experience, especially: Rick Baker, Heidi Holicker, Kazuhiro Tsuji, James McLaughlin & Tiffany Smith, Cinovation Studios, Casting Specialists Dr. Joseph Erwin, National Institutes of Health, Great Ape Aging Project Monica Kratochvil, Assistant to Dr. Lowenstine Naida Los Kutoff, Omaha Zoo, Sperm Cryobanking Linda Lowenstine, DXM., Ph.D., Veterinary Pathologist, U.C. Davis Frederick Mihm, M.D., Professor of Anesthesia, Assoc. Medical Director, Intensive Care Units, Stanford University School of Medicine Armando Muela, Battalion Chief/Paramedic Coordinator, Woodside Fire Protection District John Ochsenreiter, DXM., San Francisco Zoo John Odle, Director of Operations, American Medical Response, San Mateo County Peninsula Equine Group William Pickens, Deputy Sheriff, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office San Mateo County Fire Department Christopher White, M.D., Emergency Medicine Associates, Inc., Mills-Peninsula Health Centers Dr. Adrienne Zihlman, Physical Anthropologist, U.C. Santa Cruz
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 8
If there were ever any doubt that Mike wasn't listening to me or comprehending the things I was telling him, that doubt didn't last long. It became obvious to me that Mike has a mechanical mind, able first to mentally take things apart and then to accomplish the task for real in an alarmingly quick manner. I only needed to see him at work a few times to understand that. The rate at which Mike can study a structure, find a flaw in its design and subsequently dismantle it is truly a wonder. When I discovered that Mike was actually studying me as I was building and that he was searching for those flaws as they were taking place, I think I finally began to fully understand the depths of Mike's intelligence and his intense scrutiny of his physical surroundings. I began to anticipate Mike's actions and was soon learning what was "Mike-proof' and what was not. I also learned never to underestimate Mike and his abilities. It became a challenge to me to create things that he couldn't destroy. I want to stress that when Mike gets it in him to take something apart, it is not a random act of brute strength, but a calculated assault based on what Mike understands about form and structure. Mike's immense strength only serves to augment his special talents.
Building in close proximity to Mike became something that I began to look forward to, and I could tell that Mike was enjoying it as well. On days when I didn't have construction tasks, Mike would knock and rasp, beckoning for a game of chase. These sounds came at me almost constantly, and it seemed that Mike's appetite for chase could never be satisfied - at least, not until I would begin a building project. Then the requests for play would end, and I would begin my project with a big, hairy foreman quietly watching my every motion, his nose placed directly in the middle of my work. Mike would even conduct similar projects of his own in other areas of the yard. If I was digging a hole in view of Mike, it was not uncommon to enter the yard when I was finished and find a carefully dug hole and the discarded, makeshift shovel he had fabricated and used. Often, as I would hammer away, I would stop to get more materials or take a break, and I could still hear the sounds of two objects striking together. There was Mike, hammering away with two sticks or striking one of the yard support posts with a tree branch. Mike had found his own project!
It's been two years since I began to work at the Gorilla Foundation, and Mike's interest in my work has not waned, nor has his love of the game of chase. Mike remains quite demanding of my time and attention, and I regret I don't have time to give him all that he wants. There is still a sense of excitement that we both feel when we're together. Mike loves to take these opportunities to roughhouse and show me how big a tough guy he is.
Our relationship is unique, in that although Mike is constantly vying for my attention, he has yet to really open up to me and show that sensitive artist that I know is there. He is still reluctant to lower his guard for me, and that's why I cherish the opportunities to work on these projects in Mike's vicinity. At these moments, Mike's apprehensions regarding me fade away, and we are able to connect in a way that allows me to see him not as that big and tough "master of destruction" in which he takes such pride, but as the sensitive, inquisitive, intellectual soul which is his essence. And I have seen recent progress in his opening up to me: He finally purred for me last week for the very first time. Thank you, Mike.
Ty Robb
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 10
The following conversations capture some of our favorite recent memories of Michael. Because he could communicate using a language we understand, he was able to show us many sides of his wonderful personality. These conversations will always remind us of Michael's intelligence, wit, humor, compassion and sensitivity.
July 26, 1999, with Mandy Allen.
Mandy tries playing a shell game with Michael. She places a nut under a cup and shuffles it with two empty cups.
Michael: Nut.
Mandy: Nut where?
M: There. Mandy lifts the cup Michael points to, which is empty. She shows him where the nut is again.
M: More. Mandy shuffles the cups again.
MA: Nut where?
M: There. (Michael points to the correct cup.)
MA: Right! She lifts the cup and gives him the nut.
August 18, 1999, with Susanne Cooper.
Michael: Rasberry good.
Susanne: Good what?
M: Chase.
S: Play chase'
M: Chartthere. (Pointing to Ndume's trailer.)
S: Want to chase Ndume?
M: Assent-grunt.
September 18, 1999, with Marilyn Matevia.
Marilyn takes Michael a few peanuts.
Michael: More.
Marilyn: Later, okay? More later.
M: Nut.
MM: Later, Mike. You know what later means?
M: Trouble. Marilyn laughs.
M: Gorilla good.
MM: You are a very good gorilla. Marilyn gets more nuts. She slips one into her pocket for Ndume, but Michael misses nothing.
M: There, (Pointing to Marilyn's pocket after he's eaten his nut.)
MM: Can I give this one to Ndume? (Voice only.)
M: No (head shake). There. (Pointing to Marilyn's pocket.)
September 18, 1999, with Marilyn Matevia. Marilyn and Michael play tug. He wins, Marilyn: You are a strong... Michael: Gorilla. (Michael completes the sentence.)
MM: Yes! You smart, too! (Sign only.)
M: Gorilla.
MM: What am I?
M: Trouble.
MM: Trouble! (Voice only.)
M: Sorry.
MM: You don't have to be sorry. You're funny!
M: Good.
MM: You didn't eat your tomatoes or potatoes, Mike. Why not? (Voice only.)
M: Bad.
MM: Bad? (Voice only.)
M: Sorry.
MM: That's okay, Mike. But what's wrong with them? (Voice only.)
M: Good pull-out-hair.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 11
October 10, 1999, with Mandy Allen.
Michael: Raspberry.*
Mandy What?
M: That, (To apple rotting on the ground.)
MA: That bad.
M: Good there. (Pointing up into the apple tree.)
Mandy laughs and gives him a small apple off the tree.
November 3, 1999, with Penny Patterson.
Mike: Chase.
Penny: I still need to get over this headache. It's cold in here. Could you close that window? (Voice only.)
Mike goes into the B room, finds a rubber tub piece and works for a few minutes to get the window closed.
P: What a good, nice, considerate boy! (Voice only.)
November 21, 1999, with Megan Dunn. Michael hears the rustle of a plastic bag in Megan's pocket. Megan shows him the pumpkin seeds that are in the bag.
Megan: Tell me what in here, I'll give.
Michael: Nut there.
MD: Like nut but it's not. These pumpkin seeds!
M: Bean seed hurry give-me.
Michael holds out his hand, and Megan gives him some.
December 5, 1999, with Dina Pettit.
Dina makes bedtime treats in the garage.
Michael watches from the yard.
Michael: Raspberry.*
Dina looks up.
M: Taste.
Dina: Later.
January 1, 2000, with Megan Dunn.
Megan gives Michael his cooked meal, drink and nuts.
Michael: There. (To the freezer where we keep an extra supply of bread and nuts.)
Megan opens it.
M. Nut.
Megan: What else is in there?
M: Sandwich.
MD: Right, bread for sandwiches!
M: Bread more do time good.
MD: Not time, sandwich finished.
M: Not there,
MD: Enough nuts. You full of nuts.
M; Gorilla love kiss.
MD: Enough, Mike!
M: Apple good.
MD: Almost time to go out for apple.
Michael does a few handstands.
M: Gorilla good. Exercise.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 12
January 6, 2000, with DeeAnn Draper DeeAnn has just given Ndume some lettuce at his window. Michael is on a nearby platform in the large Yard. It is cold outside, so Michael has access to one of his rooms.
Michael: Drink.
DeeAnn: Want hot tea?
M: Good.
DeeAnn gives Michael some tea in his room.
M: Give me.
D: What?
M: Nut there. (To the refrigerator.)
D: Oh, nut.
M: Purr* yes (nod).
DeeAnn gives him a nut, They start to chase in and out of his room.
D: You want take blanket out there?
M. No. headroll* trouble. There is construction noise to the east.
Later that day..
M: Nut there. (Nagging for nuts again.)
D: No, can't.
M: Exercise good raspberry.*
D: Exercise?
M: Good purr* stick-out-tongue.*
D: What?
M: Exercise xxx. (xxx= both hands coming forward quickly over the top of his head from behind his crest.)
DeeAnn gives him a nut.
D: What's my name?
M: Gorilla good.
D: That's your name. What's my name?
M: Smile.*
D: That's cute.
M: Nice. Nut there. (To the freezer where special nuts are stored along with bread reserves.) DeeAnn opens the freezer.
D: Bread there.
M: Not bread no stick-out-tongue.*
January 15, 2000, with Mandy Allen.
Michael is playing with Max. Because the east side of the yard has been cleared of brush, Max can now run all the way around the yard. Max chases Michael along the east side to the northeast comer, then over to the west side near the transport cage. Max runs back to the southwest comer, while Michael stays at the northwest comer.
Michael: Chase here (Signed to Max.)
Mandy tries to get Max to go over, but the dog doesn't comprehend. Michael moves to the east side of the yard, Max goes over to the southeast comer, but won't go around the comer along the east side.
Michael: Chase here. (Again signed to Max.) Unfortunately, Max still doesn't understand.
Brad and Trouible
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 13
February 29, 2000, with Penny Patterson.
Penny: Person. (Sign and voice.) Is Ndume a person?
Michael: Know/head/person,
P: Is Ndume a person?
Michael jumps up and touches the ceiling.
P: Another question.
M: Trouble, (As Penny thinks a moment.) Stink. Good.
P: Is Flower a person? (Flower is one of Michael's dogs.)
M: Stink. (Stink is the gorilla's word for flower.)
P: Is Flower a person?
M: No. (Shaking his head.)
fable for Michael
With love to Penny and Ron from Jane Abrams
When I was very young, I lived in the rain forest with my mother and my aunties. I was always with my mother, so I was with her when the people came. I was with her when she was murdered by the people. The people who murdered my mother were the first people I had ever seen. I was hurt and scared and sad and confused by all these feelings I had never felt before. I wanted to find my auntie who was not with us. I wanted to find her so she could hold me forever. But people took me and then other people took me and then I was with people who loved me and a gorilla who loved people. Penny and Ron taught me to speak the human hand language. I wished that I could teach them the language I learned from the jungle. But even if I knew how to sign every word there is, I could not. In the jungle we learned to read the energy and spirit and sometimes the will of each living thing. And there was no thing that was not a living being. It is the language of Knowing. It is the language of All Things Are Connected. If there is to be an honoring of my memory, let it be to protect the rain forests and learn there how to listen. Tell Koko I'm still with her. I live in her heart, and I'll watch over her always.
A a special a You
Michael still lives in our hearts, and some of our talented friends have created very touching memorials to remind us of Mike's magnificence everyday.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dear friends at Goodby, Silverstein and Partners for the creation of "Michael's Song" a video memorial tribute to Michael set to music. We are especially grateful to Greg Martinez for caring so deeply and to editor, Dan Geddes. Thank you, Mark Shark, for your brilliant music. Thank you, Jane Abrams, for gathering the best video footage. Continued thanks to Anne O'Toole and Monaco Film & Video. And thank you, Michael Walton and ConXion, for providing the technical support to add "Michael's Song" to our website (www.koko.org), where everyone can see this wonderful tribute to our special gorilla friend.
We would also like to thank artist Layne Moon, who created two beautiful charcoal portraits of Mike. These striking artworks now hang in our Redwood City office, where the office staff can admire them. And special thanks also to Japanese artist, Chisato Abe, who created an original portrait of Michael and sent it to us. These works have beautifully captured Mike's grace and character.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 14
Death of a relative
On April 19, 2000, Michael died in California. He was a 27-year-old distant cousin who, like us, belonged to the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Mammalia, order Primate. Michael's family tree then diverges from ours - he was Gorilla gorilla of the family Pongidae (the Great Apes).
Michael was big, but no King Kong given to swatting airplanes. He was a remarkable artist who was able to label his marvelous paintings because he could communicate. In fact, he was one of two gorillas to learn human sign language (as well as understanding spoken human speech), thanks to the efforts of Francine G.P. Patterson, president of the Gorilla Foundation.
Michael used to play with a blackand-white dog named Apple. From memory, he painted Apple's head, choosing only black and white colors from all those available to him. The painting (I own a pint) not only looks like Apple, but conveys the idea that Apple is running. Michael named it, "Apple Chase."
"Self-recognition" was thought to belong exclusively to humans, until it was found that chimpanzees have it. Some years ago, a few gorillas were given the "mirror test," which they failed. Michael and his famous companion, Koko, however, clearly demonstrated knowing that what they see in the mirror is an image of themselves.
Gorillas - like humans - are capable of lying to protect themselves from the consequences of their actions. When still quite young, Michael tore a hole in a lab coat. When asked who did it, he signed Penny. Told that was wrong, he signed Koko. Eventually, he signed Mike.
Gorillas may not be as hyper-emotional as humans and chimpanzees, but they certainly have strong emotions and can portray them in their paintings. They also have the ability to empathize with the emotions of others. When Koko heard Michael crying because he was locked in his room, she signed Feel sorry out. As Patterson says, "One must be conscious of having experienced an emotional state oneself before attributing such a state to others."
At another time, one of the volunteers told Koko that she had an upset stomach. Koko advised Stomach you orange (because she herself had been given orange juice when she was sick with a cold) and pointed to the refrigerator where the juice was kept.
Gorillas are conscious and self-aware, but they do not, alas, live as long as we do. A year ago, Tzambo, the oldest gorilla in the Los Angeles Zoo, died of heart failure at the age of 28. Many years ago, I was shocked when the oldest gorilla in the Philadelphia Zoo died, since he and I had been born in the same year.
We know now that the Great Apes are closely related to humans. Chimpanzees are the closest in DNA, and some of them have also learned sign language, but they seem a little too much like us. Chimpanzees kill and eat other animals, and have been known to murder their own kind. Gorillas are vegetarians.
The kindliness of gorillas has made headlines. When a 3-year-old boy fell into the gorilla exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois, a female gorilla, with her own baby on her back, carried the boy to the door, where keepers could get him.
At the Durrell Wildlife Preservation Trust in Jersey, Channel Islands, a 5-year-old boy fell into the gorilla enclosure, fracturing his skull. The big male gorilla, Jambo, gently touched the boy, who was bleeding, and would not let the other gorillas near. After the boy recovered consciousness and started to cry, Jambo herded his family away, and the keepers entered to rescue the child.
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 15
Wild gorilla populations are declining, thanks to habitat destruction and deliberate killing by humans. Right now, the killing for "bushmeat" is increasing (human population increase does not improve human morals). If this keeps up, wild gorillas will be extinct in a few years.
In the most recent issue of one of the many science magazines I receive is a horrifying article called, "Eating Our Relatives." Huge numbers of dead primates are appearing in African markets, to be eaten not only by people living in the countryside, but also in the cities. There must be a better way of getting good protein to human beings.
The Gorilla Foundation is trying to educate people about gorillas. The book, Koko's Kitten, has impressed some Africans with the "personhood" of the gorilla, convincing them that gorillas should not be hunted for food.
Patterson started the Gorilla Foundation to learn what could be learned from and taught to gorillas. The emphasis soon became saving the species.
As Patterson puts it, "We need to raise awareness. People must know that gorillas are our kin, that our kin are dying at our hands, and that they are worth saving."
I have found an article I first read in 1959 and carefully saved. In it, Alan Moorehead wrote that at his first sight of a wild gorilla in the gorilla's own territory, he was afraid to lose a moment of the encounter. He did not haul up his binoculars or try to take a photo, but simply looked. Moorehead described the experience as totally different from that to be had with other large wild animals: "With the gorilla, there is an instant sense of recognition."
Michael was a person, unique and talented. He recognized us and we could recognize ourselves in him. He's gone, and the wild gorillas are going. Can't we help save them?
Letters
Following Michael's death, we received hundreds of condolences from friends and supporters, reminding us of how deeply Michael touched so many lives. Knowing there is such a large group of compassionate, caring people out there has been a tremendous comfort to us. People have expressed their sorrow and sympathy in many ways. Whether beautiful cards, handwritten notes, touching e-mails or special gifts, your thoughtfulness means so much, and we would like to express our immense gratitude to you all. We would also like to thank the many children who have sent Koko their words of comfort to help her through this difficult time.
I just wanted to let you know how truly sorry I was to hear of Michael's passing ... He was a fabulous artist and a dear friend to you all. He will never be forgotten. His art work will always reflect on his happiest days and the brightness of his imagination.
-Fondly, Cinnamon C. Trimmer Dear Penny and dear Koko,
We are so very sad that it was time for Michael's spirit to leave his magnificent body and to move to the realm of total light and love. Our thoughts and our love are with you as you mourn the loss of your close and beloved friend.
-With deep sympathy, Margot, Bonnie & Dawn, Spring Farm CARES
The news of Michael's sudden death was a terrible shock. I share your sorrow and extend my deepest sympathies to Koko, Ndume and to the many humans whose lives have been enriched by Michael's remarkable contributions to interspecies dialog. Our world seems a poorer, lonelier place this morning.
-Terry Harpold
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 16
I'm am very upset over hearing about the loss of Michael. I heard the announcement over the news today and I haven't stopped crying yet ...After observing the documentaries of Michael and Koko on PBS more than a few times, I have grown an enormous respect, interest and love for gorillas. I would like to thank you very sincerely for introducing such beautiful and wonderful beings to me. I wish I could have been able to show my appreciation without this tragic turn in life ...Michael will be missed.
-Sincerely, Jami
Wagner I am sorry to hear about Michael ...My dog, Mija, happens to look a lot like Apple, and I treasure my copy of his painting. He had more talent than I could ever dream of possessing. Thank you for sharing his stories with us, so that we could know him and feel his joys and sorrows throughout his life. The whole world mourns with you today.
-Sincerely, Shannon Mackay
I wish to express my sympathy and my own personal sorrow upon the passing of Michael. I offer this quotation of Cicero's, which I paraphrase here: A friend may be taken away, but never the joy his friendship brought.
-Yours very truly, Melynda Skinner
Dear Koko and Staff, The world grieves with you. I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Michael. There are no words, only tears.
-Laura Bone
Michael's nobility, intelligence, creativity and love have and will continue to illuminate the heart/minds of all who were touched by his presence on our fair earth.
-Richard Kaplan
Words alone can barely express how upset and sorry I am over this unexpected news. You all have my deepest sympathies. You all have given me and my family some wonderful insights into one of natures most fascinating and often misunderstood creatures, and for that I owe you a great amount of thanks. Never again will the world see the gorillas as unintelligent and soulless creatures, to me you have proven the naysayers wrong. For all your efforts, I thank you. -Sincerely, James Evans
Please know that all your work and love of the animals does not go unnoticed. We greatly respect your efforts and think that the world is becoming a better place through the elevation in consciousness created by you and your beloved gorillas.
Please continue to brighten the world with your understanding and teachings and we will be sending comforting thoughts to ease some of the pain of the loss of Michael. Michael is in a safe place now and surely he will be elevated to angel status. May he watch over all of us.
-Love, Anne & Eric Glass
We can only imagine, if we feel such deep sadness at [Michael's] passing, how much more deeply you all feel his loss. Each of you have our deepest sympathy. We only hope that your sadness and ours can be turned into a vision of Michael, happily painting to the strains of classical music, in that peace-filled jungle in the sky.
-Anna Furtado, Earlene Meyer, Jamie, the Cairn Terrier Dear Koko,
It must be difficult for you to understand where your friend and companion has gone ...With your friends' and family's support and love, you will, in time, know that Michael is in the heaven we all hope to go to.
-Your loving friend, Ruth Myers
Michael will always be missed, but will never be forgotten in our hearts.
-Dorothy Haddad, Thomas VV Heibju
Brad and Trouble
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Gorilla Journal Of The Gorilla Foundation Memorial Issue part 17
Dear Koko,
I'm sorry that Michael died, I hope you won't be sad. Michael is in heaven. You don't have to worry because I am your friend, too
. -Love, Kymberly Dong, 2nd grade
As a former gorilla worker, I remember Michael with tremendous fondness. He could be an absolute goof ball when we played and brought many smiles to my face and laughter to my heart. He loved Mr. Rogers and Luciano Pavarotti and would often laugh at the Sesame Street characters as I cleaned his back room. in fact, I was cleaning his back room when the Loma Prieta earthquake occurred. I could not have been in a safer place,
-With deepest sympathies, Kathleen Orr
My heart sank when I read about Michael ...He was quite a wonderful soul. As you say, "They are us, we are them:' We are less without him.
Lee Basham
I just learned about Michael's death...I am surprised and very sad...Grieved to know that there remains only one gorilla in the world that can use sign language and grieved for Koko and Penny. They have just lost a dear friend, and the world has just lost a great artist
. -Your friend, Sophie Drpeau
I shall cherish forever the many wonderful days that I spent with Michael-My most treasured memory is seeing this huge, awesome animal sound asleep right by my feet, taking his afternoon nap when I had finished reading him a story ...Michael was a special gift to all of us.
-Ms. Morrey Cort
[Editor's Note: The following letter was written by one of our long-time supporters, Larry Pitts, who has located and donated many rare books to our library]
Dear Michael,
Wherever you are; I offer you belated thanks for all of your efforts to deal with our kind, I know it can't have been easy for you. In your memory, I should like to donate one of my favorite books, a first edition of In Quest of Gorillas, by William K Gregory and Henry C. Raven, New Bedford: The Darwin Press, 1937. It is part of the history of the relations between your kind and mine. It is my hope that... all who read it might also take a moment to remember you and ;the part you played in changing the relationship between our two species.
Michael, even though I did not know you personally, I promise I will never forget you. Rest in peace.
Join the Gorilla Foundation Legacy Society
You can have a significant impact on the Gorilla Foundation's future by including the Foundation in your estate plans, and you may receive estate-tax benefits. The Gorilla Foundation has instituted a Legacy Society to honor those donors who have included the Foundation in their estate plans. Joining the Gorilla Foundation Legacy Society means you are helping to ensure that Michael's legacy makes a lasting difference and offers a future for all gorillas.
There are many ways that you can leave a legacy to the Foundation, including the following:
*Bequests (fixed amount; percentage; residual; double-purpose);
*Including assets such as stocks, bonds or real estate in one's estate plan;
*Assigning beneficiary status in a life insurance policy, pension plan or IRA. (We also suggest contacting a financial advisor for assistance.)
For fact sheets about the Gorilla Foundation Legacy Society or to let us know of your plans, please contact The Gorilla Foundation, Attn: Marcia Slackman, Director of Major Gifts, 1733 Woodside Road, Suite 330, Redwood City, CA 94061; or call (650) 216-6450, ext. 15. Also, see our website in the "Make A Difference" section at www.koko.org/difference.html. Please let us thank you for making such a meaningful gift.
We wish to thank and welcome the following individuals for becoming founding members of the Gorilla Foundation Legacy Society:
DeeAnn Draper, Jane Cunningham McLagan, Joanne M. Nicoll, Mary Jean Orr, Jenifer Patterson, Dr. Francine "Penny" Patterson, Ed Sisson
Brad and Trouble who have several pictures of Michael hanging in his computer room for being a long time sponsor of the Gorilla Foundation.
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This week we had the funeral for Melvin, our Gorilla we conducted experiments on with the Fedrick Reese Theory. It brings much sadness to our community and especially to Fedrick. Fedrick was so upset about this and did not want to face life's cruel but " it has to happen when you do those things to apes and gorillas " reality, that Fred jumped into the casket and began having intercourse with the dead gorilla, pumping and grinding down into the dead gorilla's buttocks. We hope to find another gorilla as special as Melvin was to us...one day. Thank you and go fluck yourself.
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Contact Mr. Houser
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Monkeys kick butt like me and im pretty kool man so dont be thinkin monkeys arent kool and i
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Read with interest the whole article was i was at work. When i opened this website it was with the intention of posting the URL to a friend. Needless t say i became inthralled. Although i can't help but wonder...why has research on these fine animals stopped? Why was there only 2 of this magnificant beasts who were taught to sign. If Koko and Micheal had of mated...wouldn't there be a good chance they would have passed the knowledge of signing on to their young ones. That in it's self is reason enough to continue on the study. To be able to communicate and know what animals like these think and feel seems priceless. Pretty sure the answer to this age old question is money. The almighty dollar. So much money gets wasted... so we waste a bit more...is that really so bad when you look at where this could go and what we has humans can learn. Oh well..just tossing in my 2 cents
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monkey are nice furry animals and u want to hurt them really good real good

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Leave the poor freakin' apes alone! They belong in the jungle!!!!! Monkey/ape hater!!!!!!
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Need a gorilla pictures or monkeys
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