Depicting a beautiful relationship between a
kitten and a female gorilla, “
Koko’s kitten” appeals to all
age groups. Koko, the gorilla is the subject for the author, Dr. Patterson’s
language project, wherein she is studying the language abilities of animals by attempting to teach Koko sign language. Fourteen years into the project, Koko has learnt to recognise five hundred words besides using one hundred different words every day. She can express her feelings through sign language, be it anger, love, sorrow, disappointment or happiness.
The narrative begins with a description of Koko’s fondness for presents, given to her during Christmas and on her birthday. She loves picture books as well, especially gorilla books and cat books. When asked what she
wanted for Christmas, she signed, “cat”. Misunderstanding her request, Dr. Patterson brought her a sturdy toy cat. When Koko saw the cat, she signed, “ That red” to express her anger and did display charges past Dr. Patterson to show that she was very angry indeed. It is then that Dr. Patterson realized that Koko wanted a live cat, a pet cat.
Later, Koko was brought three kittens to choose from, each of whom she subjected to her ‘
blow-test’. When Koko meets a new person or animal, she blows in their face and expects them to blow back, perhaps to get a proper scent. She finally chose a tailless grey tabby and named him ‘All Ball’. Thus began an attachment of such proportions that surprised even Dr.Patterson.
Koko treated the kitten like her baby. She tried to tuck him in her thigh and carry him on her back, just like mother gorillas do with their infants. She kept him clean and examined his eyes, ears and mouth to make sure he was healthy. She loved to play gorilla games such as ‘
Chase’, ‘
Blow-it’ and ‘
Tickle’ with Ball who, on the other hand, didn’t enjoy any of them!
A tragic incident revealed the depth of Koko’s emotions and her high level of intelligence. Ball was killed in a car accident. When the news reached Koko, she seemed not to understand as she did not respond. However, a few minutes later, she began to cry – it was her distress call. For weeks after the incident, Koko would sign “ Cry, Sad, Frown” when reminded of Ball.
With time, Koko became ready for a new kitten. She wanted another tailless cat. With great difficulty, a red Manx was found. Seeing the kitten, Koko purred with joy and cradling it, she signed “ Baby”. She was very happy !
Right from the glossy cover-photo of Koko cuddling Ball, to the equally alluring photographs accompanying this stirring account, the book is an endearing read.