Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People
2016, English. Directed by Jonathan Taylor.
Documentary telling the extraordinary story of Koko, the only 'talking' gorilla in the world, and her lifelong relationship with Penny Patterson. Project Koko started as a PhD project to teach sign language to a baby gorilla, but as Koko began to communicate with Penny, an intense bond formed between them. Penny has now been with Koko for over 40 years and claims Koko can reveal fresh insights into the workings of an animal's mind. Koko's unique life with Penny has been filmed every step of the way. Over 2,000 hours of footage chart the most dramatic moments - Penny's battle to keep Koko from being taken back to the zoo in which she was born, Penny's clash with academic critics who doubted her claims and the image of Koko mourning the death of her kitten.
- Runtime
- 0h 58m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 15 June 2016.
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Cast & crew
- Jonathan TaylorDirector
- Bertie CarvelNarrator (voice)
- KokoSelf
- Penny PattersonSelf
- Dale DjerassiSelf
- Lisa SchusterSelf
- Ann SouthcombeSelf
- Mitzi PhillipsSelf
- Robin WilliamsSelf (archive footage)
- Leonardo DiCaprioSelf (archive footage)
- Peter GabrielSelf (archive footage)
- Isabella RosselliniSelf (archive footage)
- William ShatnerSelf (archive footage)
Details
- Released
- 15 June 2016
- Country
- United Kingdom
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People: quick answers
Is Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People worth watching?
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People?
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People runs 58 minutes (0h 58m).
Does Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People yet.
Which OTT platform is Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People on?
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 15 June 2016. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People?
If you liked Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People, try Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple, Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life, A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough.
Who directed Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People?
Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People (2016) was directed by Jonathan Taylor and stars Bertie Carvel, Koko, Penny Patterson.