Koko the gorilla, who is said to have been able to communicate by using more than 1,000 hand signs, has died in California at the age of 46. Here she is on BBC News in 1985, with her kitten friend. | BBC Archive

Koko was a female gorilla capable of communicating through sign language, and she gave a beautiful message that surprised everyone. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/yt-thekiwi | The Kiwi

Koko the gorilla mastered sign language, raised kittens and even once playfully tried on Robin Williams' glasses. Here's a look back at her life: http://nbcbay.com/X9DkMR5 | NBC Bay Area