Koko Learns About Snowflake, the World's Only Documented Albino Gorilla
A gentle teaching moment captures the remarkable understanding shared between people and gorillas.
In a quiet exchange that speaks to decades of patient work, Penny Patterson holds up a photograph of Snowflake, the famous white gorilla of Barcelona Zoo, to share with Koko.
Snowflake remains the only albino gorilla ever documented, his pale appearance the result of albinism.
The moment reflects the long-running relationship at the heart of the Gorilla Foundation, an Ecoflix partner, whose work has helped the wider world appreciate how gorillas think, learn and communicate.
Moments like these are small but telling. By introducing Koko to images and ideas, researchers continue to explore the depth of understanding gorillas are capable of.
Snowflake's story has long fascinated people around the world, and seeing his photograph shared in this way bridges the gap between a celebrated individual and the ongoing effort to understand his species.
It is a reminder of why this work matters: every interaction adds to our knowledge of great apes and strengthens the case for their care and protection.
The Gorilla Foundation's approach has always centred on connection, treating gorillas as individuals with curiosity and personality.
To follow this and other moments from the foundation's archive, you can watch the story through Ecoflix.