"Can a kitten raised by a dog find happiness with a 250-pound gorilla who converses in American Sign Language?" This was the question asked by writer Jane Vessels at the beginning of a short but utterly sweet National Geographic 1985 mini photo essay on Koko and her kitten All Ball.
Dr. Francine "Penny" Patterson, Koko's teacher, was not surprised when Koko asked for a kitten as "The Three Little Kittens" and "Puss in Boots" were two of Koko's favourite stories. Koko used the language she knew 1000 words in, American Sign Language or Ameslan, to make her request. The sign for kitten is made by pulling two fingers across the cheeks to show whiskers.
When Koko and All Ball met, Koko would suggest to All Ball in Ameslan that they should tickle each other (her favourite game) and would dress All Ball up in napkins and hats. A feisty kitten, All Ball would bite Koko when resting in her lap. Koko's response? She'd either laugh or more often than not sign "obnoxious". But Koko's usual word on All Ball was almost always "Soft good cat cat".
This story was in one of my collected National Geographic magazines from 1985---> All photos by Ronald H. Cohn for National Geographic VOL. 167, NO. 1 January 1985.
I've always loved this story, unlikely friendships always tug at my heart
Posted by: Brandi | September 20, 2011 at 06:46 AM
That is beautiful! I am going to look at the other photos now.
Posted by: Sarah | September 20, 2011 at 07:33 AM
this story almost makes me burst into tears -- in a good way! it is kind of amazing to see how smart the gorilla is. and who doesn't love a kitty? :)
Posted by: drollgirl | September 21, 2011 at 04:14 AM