Some thoughts on Great Apes

According to Wikipedia, the "Great Apes" are members of the taxonomic family Hominidae, a subset of primates that includes gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees (and their very similar counterpart, bonobos) as well as humans. There is something thought-provoking about this classification, despite the fact that people are generally aware of the evolutionary connection between humans and apes. Maybe it's a confrontation with the information that we are apes. The dominant species on Earth is listed alongside tree dwelling, fruit-eating, hairy creatures that we typically see in zoos. 

I think it's exciting and interesting how close I am to a non-human ape. Like, having developed an interest in notable ape-figures like Koko the Gorilla and Ham the Chimp, the proximity between "us" and them has only encouraged me to learn more. I don't intend this post to be entirely philosophical, but I wonder if the novelty of other ape species is preventing me from reaching some true understanding or respect of these animals. I think orangutans are funny-looking and lovable. I think Koko is a beauty of nature. I save dozens of photos of apes making expressions, sitting strangely, and holding heart-shaped cards on valentine's day at the zoo. I save honest nature photography too, but in most instances I look at them with humor and awe. I guess I do the same thing with some people, though. If anything, some of my obsession with primate photos probably comes from being used to looking at humans all the time.

What's so great... or rather, what is so good about non-human great apes? The cute factor is sort of the same as any other animal, especially other mammals. I think gorillas are adorable in every way. Apparently that isn't a super popular opinion: I put a little poll up on my instagram to see what people's favorite great ape was, and the gorillas lost by a wide margin. The winner was chimpanzees, then orangutans close behind. I also sort of feel that my personal preference of apes comes from the clear difference between them, appearance-wise, and humans. If I'm not mistaken, chimps and bonobos are genetically the closest to humans, and in a sort of "uncanny valley" way that can be a little disturbing. 

In any case, I feel like gorillas are just built beautifully. I almost want to say they have a perfect "design," as if some skilled artist crafted their bodies to a shape that is equal parts funny and elegant. Gorillas are thick and solid, with these huge, long arms they use to push off on the ground with as they run. Their legs, in comparison, are very little. I find it really funny how huge and intimidating they can look while in the distance, but when a gorilla sits down or squats on their legs, it is weirdly small and childlike. Maybe not small, but like a huge little kid?

lovely Koko :o)

This is really more of a Koko fan post than anything else. That's okay though, who could be better than her as an ape representative? 

Last night I watched the documentary A Conversation with Koko, and I enjoyed it a lot. I'd already watched many clips of her interacting with Dr. Penny Patterson, the scientist who raised her, via sign language. And of course, I've seen the clips of her being tickled by Robin Williams. The documentary gave a really nice look into her everyday experiences, though. It showed her early life at the zoo, her move to Stanford University to be researched on, the very tender relationship she had with Penny and Ron, the photographer who shot pictures of Koko for years. Along with Koko's story, the documentary shared a lot about Michael, another lovely gorilla.

Mike!

Michael was raised as the second "talking" gorilla, a couple years younger than Koko. He seemed sort of quiet and thoughtful, whereas Koko was more playful and friendly. There's a part in the documentary in which the pair begin to make and title their own paintings, and Michael's was kind of incredible. 

Apple Chase was a painting clearly representative of his friend, a dog named Apple. There is something very beautiful to me about the fact that this giant gorilla sat down with a paintbrush and very carefully made a portrait of a dog he liked to run around with, then named it after that experience. It's so sweet, beyond even the amazing cognitive/conscious/artistic understanding he shares with us.

Apple Chase, by Michael

 That's all I wanted to say for now I think. I'm sure I'll have more to say on the topic some other time, but it's just been on my mind so I thought I'd write a little something.

Rest in Peace beautiful Koko and Mike.