The Education of Koko describes the scientific genesis and first nine years of Project Koko, the most far-reaching ape language experiment yet conducted–the only one with a gorilla. This book chronicles Penny Patterson’s experience as Koko’s dedicated teacher, mentor, and surrogate mother, from PhD dissertation to life-long study and relationship. Koko’s education gives readers a glimpse into the mind of human’s closest relative, and sheds important new light on the nature of the human beast.