Michael the gorilla was born in Africa, became a bushmeat orphan, and at age three he came from the Vienna Zoo to the Gorilla Foundation in the United States, joining Koko when she was six. Michael learned American Sign Language with Koko and Penny and became quite fluent (using over 500 signs). Michael was an extraordinary gorilla — an artist, music lover, articulate storyteller, and Koko's best friend. When asked what he remembered about his mother, Michael told and repeated a very disturbing story.