Washington D.C. [U.S.A.], June 21 (ANI): Koko, the well-known ape who had mastered the art of sign language, has passed away.

She was 46 years old and passed away in her sleep, confirmed The Hollywood Reporter.

A statement issued by the Gorilla Foundation, "Koko touched the lives of millions as an ambassador for all gorillas and an icon for interspecies communication and empathy. She was beloved and will be deeply missed."

"Koko's capacity for language and empathy has opened the minds and hearts of millions," it further read.

A user tweeted, "Sooooo sad. #goodbyeKoko

Koko The Gorilla Dies; Redrew The Lines Of Animal-Human Communication"

Another wrote, "Koko the gorilla died. Nothing means anything anymore. But uh how are you?"

A pop culture icon, Koko was featured in multiple documentaries and appeared on the cover of National Geographic twice: the first cover, in October 1978, and then in January 1985. (ANI)

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