In 2001 Robin Williams met Koko, the gorilla who had learned to speak English through sign language; the animal was going through a difficult period but her meeting with the actor helped her overcome it and, consequently, their incredible and exciting friendship lasted more than thirteen years. Koko's caregiver, Patterson, said: "Note that Robin made Koko smile, which she hadn't done in over six months, since her childhood gorilla companion, Michael, died at the age of 27. It was an amazing and