Friday, July 27, 2018

HOT TOPIC! - Free Ndume From The Gorilla Foundation - Letter Writing Campaign - UPDATED 7.29.18

UPDATED 7.29.18 ... I updated the contact information for the AZA/SSP contact list at the end of this post.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

First I want to thank all my readers who usually follow this blog for San Francisco Zoo content.  I know I've written exclusively about Ndume for the last few posts.  Since The Gorilla Foundation is local, I've known about Koko almost my whole life, and since her passing all I can think about is the Gorilla she left behind.  I need to use this forum as a way to bring attention to the plight of Ndume.  Thank you for reading my posts, and hopefully sharing information about him.  Together hopefully we can all change his situation and get him a wonderful home for the rest of his life. 

The post before last, I noted several people (and their contact information) within the AZA/SSP organization that deals with Gorillas.  I will post that info again at the end of this post.  

What is the goal?  The end goal is to get the AZA/SSP to find Ndume a home suitable for a Gorilla, not continue to leave him in isolation.  Ndume has been without a Gorilla Family for 27 years.  Right now, this first round of letters, my goal is to get answers.  For the AZA/SSP to be transparent about their intentions with Ndume.  

The AZA/SSP has been aware of Ndume's situation for years.  Contrary to what they have been fed by The Gorilla Foundation, it has been documented for many years, by many who have left TGF, that Ndume, like Michael before him and always for Koko, have lived isolated from each other.  They may have seen each other for short periods of time, but allegedly TGF spin machine makes it seem like more, like they co-habitat.  That is simply not the truth.  Now that Koko is gone, there is not even the chance that Ndume will see another Gorilla.  How can authoritative cogs in the machine even morally continue to allow this to be a Great Apes life?  

Anyone who reads this, please take a moment to be a Voice for Ndume.  If you need to educate yourself more before getting involved please visit the Facebook Page,  https://www.facebook.com/TeamNdume  The person who started it , worked at The Gorilla Foundation and many of  the comments are posted by other former staff members.  All Caregivers to Ndume and Koko.  All who know first hand what really went on there and the need to get Ndume out of there.  Please help and let's not let Ndume spend the rest of his life alone.  To quote Jodi Carrigan, Asst Primate Curator from Zoo Atlanta, “Just like you have your Friends, Gorillas need Gorilla Friends."   

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

AZA Animal Program Leaders (Gorilla)  ... Email Contacts listed below.

Ape TAG Chair:

>Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International  ... info@gorillafund.org  
ATTN: Tara Stoinski in subject line

Ape TAG Vice Chair:

>Tracy Fenn, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ... FennT@jacksonvillezoo.org

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Coordinator: 

>Kristen Lukas, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ... kel@clevelandmetroparks.com

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Vice Coordinator:

>Rachel Daneault, Disney's Animal Kingdom  ... guest.services@disneyworld.com 
Attn: Rachel Daneault in subject line.

Western Lowland Gorilla Studbook Keeper: 

>Roby Elsner, Audubon Zoo ... No longer at Audubon Zoo. Now at Bronx Zoo.  guestrelations@wcs.org ... ATTN Roby Elsner in subject line

Ape TAG Education Advisors:

>Connie Kassner, Cameron Park Zoo ... conniek@wacotx.gov

>Sandi Linn, SaveNature.Org ... No longer associated with AZA or TAG

>Nadine Kocanjer, Disney's Animal Kingdom ... guest.services@disneyworld.com 
Attn: Nadine Kocanjer in subject line.

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Conservation Advisors:

> Rich Bergl, North Carolina Zoological Park  ... richard.bergl@nczoo.org

>Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International ... see above contact info.

Additional Contacts. 


>Maureen Leahy,  Lincoln Park Zoo
... ealtimari@lpzoo.org  ...  ATTN Maureen Leahy in Subject line

>Hugh Bailey,  Woodland Park Zoo 
zooinfo@zoo.org ... ATTN Hugh Bailey in subject line

>Beth Schaeffer,  Los Angeles Zoo 
info@lazoo.org  ... ATTN Beth Schaeffer in subject line

>Dusty Lombardi,Columbus Zoo 
 info@columbuszoo.org ... ATTN Dusty Lombardi in subject line

I deliberately did not contact the following two people because Ndume has already been housed at both these Zoos unfavorably. 

Craig Demitros, Brookfield Zoo
Ron Evans, Cincinnati Zoo

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This is the letter I sent off to everyone on this list. 

Hello ... ,

I am writing to you as your name appears on the AZA website as a Program Leader for Gorillas.

I am inquiring about the future of Gorilla Ndume currently residing at The Gorilla Foundation.

Like most, I have known about Koko most of my life.  I am a San Francisco native and through my interest in Great Apes, I have come in contact with many who have known and worked with Koko, as well Michael and Ndume.  Sadly, I have been privvy to unfortunate truths about The Gorilla Foundation.  That said, I have concerns about Ndume.

In your position, you must know the simple fact,  Ndume has been living in isolation for 27 years.  How or why he was sent there to live a life without contact with other Gorillas, I don't know.  That is the past, what is his future?

With the passing of Koko, has there been any discussion in the AZA/SSP community to remove Ndume from The Gorilla Foundation, and find a more suitable, frankly more humane environment for him to live out his life in?  

The Gorilla Foundation has put forth via social media that they intend to ".. continue their mission" and "seek a Gorilla Family for Ndume" .  This is considered outrageous by many.  Project Penny, or rather Koko should not have lasted as long as it did in the first place, but Penny owned Koko so nothing could be done.  Ndume is in the AZA system and should never have been allowed to live without a Gorilla Family for 27 years.  Its unconscionable. 

From all research I have done, it is obvious Cincinnati Zoo who owns Ndume does not want him.  It is curious, that after the Harambe tragedy, when a vacant space for a Silverback was created, that he was not recalled.  Can you tell me why that is?  I understand Ndume is genetically not desirable in the breeding program at this time, but I was told the females in Harambe's group were non-breeding.  

Regardless of all, why has Ndume never been removed from the isolation at The Gorilla Foundation and placed with non-breeding females, or in a Bachelor group?

As a San Francisco Zoo visitor, I have presented in a blog post (linked at the end) some ideas for moving him there, it is geographically ideal, there is a Keeper on staff who has worked with Ndume in the past, and his Sister Bawang lives there. I have also noted another facility, Zoo Atlanta who helped Gorilla Ivan who came from an isolated situation as well.  

To quote Zoo Atlanta Asst Primate Curator Jodi Carrigan, “Just like you have your Friends, Gorillas need Gorilla Friends."   

Ndume needs Friends and the AZA/SSP has the authority to make that happen.  

Thank you.  Look forward to your reply.

Kim

blog link
at No comments:

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Ndume's Sister Lives at SFZoo! + Blog Comment Supporting SFZoo Idea

"NOT rolling my eyes! These are good ideas and presented realistically. I am sure some of the triple grotto could be used; years ago brothers Barney and Shango were placed temporarily in one of those enclosures before they were moved to another zoo."  - Joanne Tanner

I received this comment to my previous blog post, where I presented ideas as to how the San Francisco Zoo could help Ndume.  This comment came from Dr Joanne Tanner.  Highly regarded, Joanne has observed the San Francisco Zoo Gorilla Family for many years, starting in the late 1980s. She has also worked with Koko and Michael at The Gorilla Foundation.

Please view her site for wonderful documentation on her observations and links to her published works on the subject.


I thank her for this information.  It not only confirms that my ideas can be done, because they have,  but it also confirms my memory of seeing Gorillas in the South Grotto!  No one else I've talked to ever remembers this.  Before Gorilla World, the Gorillas lived in the exhibit where Mandrills currently are, but I knew I had seen them at triple grotto!

I also want to include this, as I forgot to in my previous post. 

This is Bawang.  

She has lived at the San Francisco Zoo since 1981, when she was 18 months old.  She was born at the Cincinnati Zoo.  Ndume is her half-brother.  He was just two months old when she was transferred to SFZoo, but they were living as Family.   Ndume is Bawang's Family.

Bawang was also Kubie's life mate.  They had three babies.  Barney, Shango, and Nneka.  Kubie was Koko's brother.  If Koko had not been kidnapped and sold, she would have grown up with her brother and his Family. 

I've made a video to support the crusade to get Ndume a new home.  Please Share. 

Free Koko the Gorilla's Friend - Ndume Needs A New Home.

at 2 comments:

Saturday, July 21, 2018

HOT TOPIC! - Could, Should, and Would The San Francisco Zoo Give Ndume a Home?

Could, with alot of work, yes. Would, probably not.  Should, I think they should try to.  In my opinion, the San Francisco Zoo even if we are reaching back almost 45+ years, were instrumental in what has become The Gorilla Foundation, when they took an infant Gorilla named Koko from her Mother and Family, and sold her to Penny Patterson.  That action had Koko living her whole life being treated as a Human, and never having the chance to be a Gorilla.  They owe it to Koko and her Family to help the last Being, being held in captive isolation by TGF.  It would be good Karma.

It would also be good Karma is for The Gorilla Foundation to donate whatever funds they have received from their Koko's Legacy campaign to any facility who takes Ndume.  Living at TGF for 27 yrs isolated from a life with other Gorillas will probably mean he will need go through some socialization training so he can, and  hopefully he can, be reintroduced into a Gorilla group.  There will most definitely be additional costs for housing him through that stage.  Most Zoos aren't prepared with a space to house a large animal and one with strength like a Great Ape, in an unusual situation like this, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.  The AZA/SSP need to figure out who's going to do it and soon.

The San Francisco Zoo is currently renovating part of their Pachyderm to expand the Chimpanzee space and accommodate for the addition to that group.  Once that is completed it will open up two additional recreation areas and a six bedroom night quarters. The current Chimp area consists of a three island moated area built in the late 60s that also housed Orangutans at one time.  The triple grotto will under go a renovation in the future not only because it needs it, but because the Zoo aspires to have Orangutans again.  I have only seen an old design of the proposed renovation.  I have written about this before, and frankly with the lack of space to hold the Chimps for the duration of a huge project like that, and the lack of funds I imagine this project will yield, the Zoo is better off working with what they got by filling in the moat and glassing it in to make a larger yard.  Using the three grottos, and an adjacent south area, it would be ideal to make it into two yards, that could be used either as one huge area or two independent areas at different times.

The above all said, in its current and upcoming state with the new Pachy area opening, it could quite possibly present a temporary area to house Ndume, if areas could be partitioned.  For example, in the current triple grotto, a bedroom and use of the south grotto yard.  In the Pachy, use of a bedroom and the new yard currently under construction.  Of course for a time this would reduce a small area for the Chimps, but they are also gaining areas.  I championed for the Chimps to get new areas and friends, so I would never suggest anything to deny them that.  I just think there is a way to help an Animal in need.  The SFZoo is in an ideal situation, if even a temporary one.  It is geographically located to The Gorilla Foundation, for short transport and in case there was a need for their assistance, and there is already someone on staff at the SFZoo who knows and has worked with Ndume before.  Additionally, there are so many people over the last 27 years that worked at TGF who were forced to leave because they morally couldn't stay there any longer.  They love and miss Ndume, as they did Koko and Michael before him.  I'm sure they would love to be able to see Ndume again and see that he is in a better place.

Could SFZoo be a forever home for Ndume?  If he could be socialized to be with other Gorillas, no.  He should be placed in a Bachelor group.  SFZoo already has a Silverback and intact Family group.  If he couldn't be with other Gorillas, and funds became available (there are many ideas for this to happen) to build an enclosure for him, yes, the SFZoo could provide him a home as well as any other Zoo could.  I could see a new yard that would house him and small Primates built close to the the current Gorilla World.  There is an area to the west, as well areas that has been cleared south of the perimeter of the GW exhibit, particularly an area of good size, that could extend to the front of the GW viewing area.  It could even attach to GW via skytrail to where he could be housed in the GW night quarters with the others, if that's even possible to have two Silverbacks contained in the same area.  Again, not my area of knowledge.

I know that the people at the Zoo will read this and be like she's just a crazy person with these ideas but the reality is that no matter what Zoo he goes to there's the chance that he'll need his own enclosure.  Most likely in any Zoo that will mean an enclosure that is newly built.  So thinking how it could work with what I know, in my corner of the world which happens to be the same corner that Ndume is in, isn't that far-fetched.  Now the San Francisco Zoo is currently as I noted under construction with the Chimp renovation and then they have this huge self indulgent project that they shouldn't even be doing at this time scheduled to start within the next few months, so I'm sure they'll be like, oh we're not taking on anything else, in addition to thinking about funding because the way the San Francisco Zoo works is if donors don't want it it doesn't get done.  That's why the Chimps had to wait three decades for new stuff, because shamefully, none of the Zoological Society donors wanted to help them.  There's a lot coming out about the Gorilla Foundation in different forums in the wake of Koko's passing, not just by me, and for a lot of people, this is the first time anyone is hearing about it.  So it's not going to be a surprise that people will want Ndume moved and whoever does take him in, will be looked at as Heroes because they'll be rescuing him from an awful situation.

So yea, my mind works quickly to problem solve.  Most, will roll their eyes at my ideas,  but at least I'm trying to come up with solutions using the information I have access to.  The AZA/SSP and Zoo community sure don't seem to being doing anything.  So maybe my ideas are far-fetched, not on any radar, and probably a fantasy, but at least I care enough to think about Ndume and his future and regardless of whether my top of the head ideas would work, maybe it will poke the AZA/SSP and their accredited Zoos, who need to put on their thinking caps and figure out who is going to help give this poor Soul a home and soon.  He was dumped at TGF 27 years ago, and forgotten about.  Left to languish in isolation.  The AZA/SSP needs to find him a home.  There are over two dozen Bachelor Groups in their Zoos, someone has got to have a place for him.

As I noted, what I've learned about Ndume, he will most likely need socialization training.  What that will entail and how long that will take, is not my area of knowledge.  What I do know is he needs to get out of isolation. He need to be a place where he can be with others even if they aren't Gorillas.  In the past the Detroit Zoo housed Koko's half-brother Sunshine with Diana Monkeys and Mandrills.  If it is determined that Ndume can't be introduced in a decent time frame or ever into a Gorilla group, maybe housing him with smaller Primate companions is an option.

 Sunshine Gorilla and Friends
Photos Courtesy of
Jerry J. Sieja (thank you!)

Ndume's birthplace is the Cincinnati Zoo,  who shipped him off to Brookfield Zoo and has seemingly washed their hands of him.  It is documented in Dawn Forsythe's blog post that he was disrespectfully name called at Brookfield, something I feel is verbal abuse. (Previous sentence has been extended and clarified since original post, text and screencap below added.)

screencap of Chimp Trainer's Daughter blog

At The Gorilla Foundation he has lived in isolation and been ignored for 27 years.  At 36 years old, this guy needs to live out his life in a place where people will treat him with respect and give him the chance at companionship, either with other Gorillas or Primates.

Another great option would be Zoo Atlanta.  They took in another Gorilla who lived in even more severe isolation, gave him a home and a Family.  Ivan the Gorilla passed away in 2012.  He lived in a shopping mall as a roadside amusement, in isolation for 27 years, just like Ndume.  He was rescued by Zoo Atlanta and died knowing Love and Family, 15 years later.  I want the same for Ndume.

Zoo Atlanta Assistant Primate Curator Jodi Carrigan who worked with Ivan is quoted,  “Just like you have your Friends, Gorillas need Gorilla Friends."

Who is going to help Ndume and when?
at 6 comments:

Saturday, July 14, 2018

HOT TOPIC! - Will Ndume (Gorilla) Become The Gorilla Foundation's New Cash Cow?

With Koko now gone, what will become of Ndume?

Screencap of Ndume
from koko.org

For those of you who aren't familiar with Ndume, here is a bit of background.  Ndume was born at Cincinnati Zoo.  Hand raised.  Sent to Brookfield Zoo. He was labeled a problem child, because he displayed typical Ape frustration often caused by stress and other related factors.  He was a poop thrower.  Low on the desirable totem pole, he was sent packing to The Gorilla Foundation in 1991 to be Koko's new alleged boyfriend, after no mating between her and Michael, another Gorilla Foundation casualty, stolen from his Mother in the wild and bought by Penny, along with a female, who allegedly didn't survive the journey.  He passed away in 2000.  There has been much said about whether or not TGF's Penny Patterson was ever seriously going to let Koko that close to another Gorilla conceive or if his residence there was just another smoke screen to keep the "Koko wants a baby" scenario alive.  With no contact with Koko, Ndume has sat there living in a trailer (as did Koko), and allegedly rotating with her for use of a fenced in outdoor space.

When I heard of Koko's passing, after being sad about her death and the life she was cruelly forced to live, my immediate thought was, what about Ndume?  I remembered a Petition I signed to Free Ndume several years ago, so I revisited that to learn more about his situation.  I don't claim to have followed The Gorilla Foundation closely, or know everything first hand, but I have done some research, and by all accounts, Ndume really does need to be in a better living situation. 

In addition to the condensed information on the Petition site, I read through all the pertaining posts on the Petitioner, Dawn Forsythe's blog, Chimp Trainer's Daughter. This one in particular gives more of Ndume's history.  http://chimptrainersdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/03/meet-ndume-feces-flinging-gorilla-with.html  

I was already acquainted with Dawn who is highly regarded and would not put forth claims she did not research and confirm.   Another  resource I read through was a former TGF employees Facebook page, Ndume Still Ignored.  There are many comments by former caregivers detailing their experience.  Of course The Gorilla Foundation can and has said that the claims made about what goes on there with the Gorillas care and well-being (while Koko was still alive) are untrue, but seriously, when you read through the stories and comments, there are too many former employees confirming the same things.  Regardless of whether these alleged experiences are true or not (I personally believe them),  the bottom line is, Ndume is a Great Ape and he is now living basically in solitary confinement.  He and Koko allegedly never shared the same space, although TGF maintained they communicated through mesh.   So he may or may not have been living an isolated life for the past 27 years, and with Koko's passing, he is definitely living one now.

Last week would have been Koko's 47th Birthday.   The Gorilla Foundation sent out an email to past supporters.  This was forwarded to me by a friend, who was a former supporter.  I will post it in its entirety at the end for those who are interested in the full version.  That said, I read through this email and was sick.  It basically asked for Donations in Koko's Memory.  I am disgusted that even in death TGF is pimping Koko out for donations.  There is no Legacy to keep going, in regard to asking for donations.  There is no further work to be done.  In fact in my opinion the "work", also known as experimenting, should have not gone on for 46 years of Koko's life.  The words of TGF's Penny Patterson in this email, make it seem like she plans to continue, literal "business" as usual.  Does that mean Ndume will now take Koko's place and be the one pimped out? 

In Dawn Forsythe's Petition of 2014, she urges the Cincinnati Zoo who still holds ownership of Ndume to Bring Ndume Home, give him the care and respect he deserves.  In essence, so he can live out his life with other Gorillas. There was no response from the decision makers at the Zoo whom the Petition was aimed at, Ron Evans and Bob Lessnau.  It seems obvious the Cincinnati Zoo has turned their back on Ndume.  Shameful. 

It has been reported that the AZA/SSP recommended in 2013 that the Cincinnati Zoo recall Ndume.  What became of that?   I know for a fact with my experience with our SFZoo that AZA/SSP recommendations are advised to be followed, otherwise accreditation and additional Animal transfers from other AZA Zoos will be at stake.  So I can only surmise that the Cincinnati Zoo who doesn't want Ndume and the AZA/SSP are working in cahoots to not recall him back to Cincinnati.  From what I've read of his treatment there and at Brookfield, Ndume is better off not going back to Cincinnati and a home found for him elsewhere.

Why have the Cincinnati Zoo and the AZA/SSP allowed Ndume to continue to live at The Gorilla Foundation for 27 years in isolation?  He went there under the guise of a companionship with Koko.  When that didn't materialize why wasn't he recalled back to Cincinnati?  Why wasn't he sent to another Zoo?  Space became available at Cincinnati when Harambe was killed, why did Cincinnati and AZA/SSP choose to acquire another male for Harambe's group?  If Ndume isn't a desirable breeding candidate, then why hasn't he been transferred to a Bachelor group?  I've read there are a couple dozen in AZA Zoos.  I have another idea, I'm still logistically working out in my head, but will post about soon.

So, now that Koko is gone, the question to the Cincinnati Zoo, the AZA, and the SSP, ... What is the future plan for Ndume?

Some say, Ndume has developed anti-social behavioral issues from being isolated and that he wouldn't be able to be introduced back into a Gorilla group.  Others say, with proper socialization he could be.   It would seem that for his well-being, trying to get him into a group situation by whatever means, is morally the right thing to do.  I of course put emotion into every Animal situation.  My first thought is, he needs to be with other Gorillas, but then I think,  TGF has been his home for 27 years, it's what he knows, is it right to take him away from that?  But, since know one can know for sure,  Is he comfortable there or waiting for someone to rescue him?  What is for sure, is being forced to live a life of isolation is cruel.  Something has to be done. 

Ndume should be given the opportunity to be a Gorilla, something Koko never got.

I have taken a list of individuals from the AZA site in regard to Gorillas and sought out contact email addresses.  Where direct email is not listed, I inquired and did not get reply back, so will use general email.  If new contact info is provided, I'll update the list.  I did not include any contacts from Cincinnati Zoo, because after all I've read its clear they don't want Ndume. ... If anyone is inclined, please take a moment to contact one or all of these people, expressing your thoughts about Ndume and inquiring about his future. 

AZA Animal Program Leaders (Gorilla)

Ape TAG Chair:

>Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International  ... info@gorillafund.org  ATTN: Tara Stoinski in subject line

Ape TAG Vice Chair:

>Tracy Fenn, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ... FennT@jacksonvillezoo.org

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Coordinator: 

>Kristen Lukas, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ... kel@clevelandmetroparks.com

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Vice Coordinator:

>Rachel Daneault, Disney's Animal Kingdom  ... guest.services@disneyworld.com Attn: Rachel Daneault in subject line.

Western Lowland Gorilla Studbook Keeper: 

>Roby Elsner, Audubon Zoo ... air@auduboninstitute.org  ATTN: Roby Elsner in subject line.

Ape TAG Education Advisors:

>Connie Kassner, Cameron Park Zoo ... conniek@wacotx.gov

>Sandi Linn, SaveNature.Org ... norm@savenature.org Attn: Sandi Linn in subject line.

>Nadine Kocanjer, Disney's Animal Kingdom ... guest.services@disneyworld.com Attn: Nadine Kocanjer in subject line.

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Conservation Advisors:

 > Rich Bergl, North Carolina Zoological Park  ... Rich's contact info via web based form:  http://www.nczoo.org/subpages.aspx?pageID=12643&category=About+Us&CID=218&contentPage=true&desc=false&tab=tabs-3&listingID=6345

>Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

Email from The Gorilla Foundation seeking Legacy donations.  Also contained heart tugging photos of Koko.

Dear ....

I can’t thank you enough for your thoughtful condolences. The many letters and notes I have received have touched my heart. I want you to know that I am working through my grief, and all the stories and kind words about Koko have lifted my spirits and given me a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

I am committed to more interspecies communication with gorillas. It is important to remember that “All Gorillas are Kokos” and know that Koko’s spirit will help guide the way!Now is the time for us to move to a higher level with our work at The Gorilla Foundation. I am so proud of what Koko and our team have accomplished so far. What we can accomplish next is even greater and the time to act is now. I am more determined than ever to ensure that Koko’s legacy continues to change the world.

I envision a future where all great apes live peacefully and safely in sanctuaries and in their natural habitat in Africa — where education embraces empathy and encourages young people to save our planet and all great apes (which include us) through compassion-driven conservation. With Koko as our ambasador, we have done a good job of informing the public, but Koko aimed to reach everybody, and we still have a few billion more people to reach!

Our goal now is to get the message out to the next generation, so young people can learn and do a better job of taking care of Mother Earth than previous generations. Koko can continue to be our ambassador and a guiding "voice of nature" to help us make the right decisions. She would want us to leverage the insights we have gained by communicating with gorillas to further scientific research for the benefit of all great apes.

There is so much more to learn through interspecies communication, and we have 46 years of multimedia data to archive, catalog, share and build upon. Conservation through communication is just in its infancy.


I ask you to turn any sadness or grief you may be feeling into positive action. Help us continue our work and keep Koko’s legacy alive. Please consider making a donation at koko.org.


With love,
Penny












at 2 comments:

Thursday, July 5, 2018

HOT TOPIC! - The Crime of Selling Koko

I started this post the day the news broke that Koko had passed away.  These are the words that came to me when I heard.  

Shedding Tears.  RIP Koko.  Bless You Lady.  Hope You are finally with Your Family.  Where you always belonged.

When I didn't post right away, I decided to wait and post on what would be Koko's 47th Birthday, upcoming on July 4th.  Ironic Koko was born on Independence Day, since she never knew freedom.  I don't mean the freedom of living wild, but the simple freedom to live as the Being she was born to be, a Gorilla.

I have written about many morally criminal things that have gone on at the Zoo, during the time I have been most active there.  In my opinion the selling of Koko to Penny Patterson is probably the worst San Francisco Zoo Crime committed. 

I have known about Koko for as long as I can remember.  I loved Miss Koko.  Such a Sweet and Intelligent Being.  Her famous story about her love for her Kitten endeared so many to her.  I knew she lived in the area, but it wasn't until later in life did I know she was born at our SFZoo.  

Like most people, I grew up to eventually come to know her history as told by Penny Patterson of the Gorilla Foundation.  In short, Patterson was looking for an infant Gorilla to teach sign language to.  She came in contact with Koko.  Koko was allegedly in the Nursery at the SFZoo, allegedly recovering from an illness.  Patterson, gained support for her project inside and outside the Zoo, and pushed to take ownership of Koko, eventually being  allowed to purchase Koko for what is rumored to have been $12,000, an amount equal to over $71,000 today.  

In recent years I have become friends with three people who have known and worked with Koko at different times in her life, two at the Gorilla Foundation and the SFZoo Ape Keeper at the time of Koko's birth.  When I asked about Koko being separated from her Mother and Family, the key point of the story I was told was different than what has been put forth by the Gorilla Foundation (Penny Patterson) and possibly the Zoo back in the day, for all these years.  The Keeper tells me that he never knew of any illness that would have taken Koko from her Mother, Jacqueline.  He thinks that may have been a cover story to allow this horror to happen.  He recounts that after Koko was separated from her Family, her Mother would cry out for her continuously, and the whole Family would be searching for her.   This version of the story, breaks my heart for this Family. 

There is no denying that Penny loved Koko in her own way.  I obviously don't know how Koko felt, but I have always felt Koko lived an incredibly sad life and the Zoo did her a great disservice allowing Penny to take her.  I have always thought she should have lived with other Gorillas.  She never lived with Michael or Ndume, two other Gorilla Foundation Residents.  There was no reason the teaching sessions could not have been done at the Zoo.  I 100% believe there was no illness that separated Koko from her Mother.  I believe even if that were true, that there was no reason she could not have been reunited with her Gorilla Family.  This transaction to sell Koko was fought against by this Keeper and others, but was lost to Selfishness and Greed by both the San Francisco Zoo and Penny Patterson.  

Koko was torn away from her Mother and her Family and allowed to be taken to live on her own as a human experiment. We know how brilliant she was learning sign language which is what made her famous and also made the career of the person (Patterson) who was instrumental in seeking out management and authority figures within the Zoo to be on her side to take Koko away from her 
Mother Jaqueline and her Family Troop.  Unconscionable.

You can view a video clip of Koko clinging to her Mother in this News video shortly after her birth.  ... She was only a year old when she taken away and sold.  Jacqueline was a good Mama and Loved her Babie.  Her Babie needed her.  


 Screencaps of News Photos
Koko and her Mama Jacqueline

Had Koko been allowed to live her life as intended, she would have grown up with her Family, Papa Bwana, Mama Jacqueline, Sibling Mkubwa (Kubie), Half-Siblings Sunshine, and Kwanza Moja and their Mama Missy.   She was robbed at a natural life.  I'm so sorry Precious Lady.

The day of the news, I did this Gorilla coloring graphic in honor of Koko and her Family.  All are gone now.  Hope they have had a beautiful reunion.


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