Gorilla companion of Koko dies in Woodside Gorilla companion of Koko dies in Woodside (April 26, 2000)

By Andrea Gemmet

Almanac Staff Writer

Woodside lost one of its notable residents last week, when Michael the gorilla collapsed and died unexpectedly around 10:45 a.m. April 19 at his home at the Gorilla Foundation, at the age of 27.

According to preliminary autopsy reports, the gorilla apparently died of a condition called fibrosing cardiomyopathy, which causes the wall of the heart muscle to thicken, said Kevin Connelly, the development director of the Gorilla Foundation. It is a cardiovascular disease that can't be detected externally, and Michael was in otherwise excellent health, he said. However, the disease is not unheard of in gorillas, particularly males, he said.

Michael was a companion to Koko, the gorilla made famous for her ability to communicate with her handlers in American Sign Language.

According to Dr. Francine "Penny" Patterson, the scientist who raised and trained the gorillas, Michael had mastered over 500 signs and understood spoken English as well. Among his interests were painting and classical music, she said.

Mr. Connelly said the Gorilla Foundation staff has been touched by the outpouring of condolences from former staff members and supporters. Koko is reacting to the loss of Michael, her companion since 1976, with shock and sorrow, which is what the human staff of the Gorilla Foundation is experiencing, he said.

"Penny told me that the next morning, Thursday, (Koko) went out into the yard and waited for him in all their usual meeting places," he said, and Koko has been making distress noises and "crying" since then.

Ndume, a young male gorilla who lives at the Foundation, is also affected by the loss of Michael, Mr. Connelly said.

"Afterward, Ndume went into the yard, to the spot where Michael died, and he sat there for a long time," he said.

A final autopsy report on the cause of Michael's death is expected in about two weeks.