People have questioned
the exact nature of animal intelligence. Some wonder if their beloved pets have
souls and will be in Heaven with them. While many have very firm opinions on
the matter, the hard answer is that no one knows for sure. The Bible
does not speak on the issue in any clear way.
Modern science asserts
that animals have some sort of intelligence and personal identities. The level
of intelligence varies depending on the type of animal, but some animals
clearly exhibit emotions, social structures, teamwork, wars, use of simple tools, recognize themselves in mirrors or photographs, long-term memory, play video games, food preferences, manipulative behaviors, favorite toys, and
the choosing of a favorite person.
Koko was a lowland
gorilla who lived at The Gorilla Foundation in California (USA). Obviously, it
is anatomically impossible for gorillas to speak in a human manner, but an
attempt was made to teach Koko some simple manual sign language. She learned
over 2000 signs and was able to carry on what appear to have been intelligent
conversations with people.
Koko had a pet cat which
she named All-Ball and she babied and pampered it as if it were her child. When
the cat died, Koko went through a grieving period.
Koko’s daily routines included watching television. Her favorite program was Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. When Fred Rogers came to visit her, she was delighted and, after she hugged him, she took off his sweater and shoes, just as he did in every episode of his program.
https://www.koko.org/research-care/796/kokos-farewell-to-mister-rogers/
Another of her television favorites
was the comedian, Robin Williams. When Williams came to visit, the pair hugged
and laughed repeatedly. They played Tickles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9I_QvEXDv0
Listen to what Koko said
to us at the age of 44. She died at the age of 46.:
“I am nature. I am flower,
animals. I am nature. Man Koko love. Earth Koko love. But Man stupid. Koko
sorry. Koko cry. Time hurry. Fix Earth. Help Earth. Hurry. Nature see you.
Thank you.”
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