One of the world’s best-known and most well-loved gorillas, Koko, died in her sleep on Tuesday morning of this week, the Gorilla Foundation announced.

A western lowland gorilla, Koko was an ambassador for her species. She was known all over the globe for her awe-inspiring mastery of sign language, her deep affection for a kitten she named All Ball, and the friendships she made with many, including the late Robin Williams and the late Fred Rogers.

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Koko demonstrated for the world that animals are communication-capable, empathetic creatures with emotions and cognitive ability, and that they are worthy of our love and respect.

She was the subject of a number of documentaries, and appeared on the cover of National Geographic multiple times.

One of the most memorable is of Koko taking a picture of herself in a mirror.

On #NationalSelfieDay of all days, Koko’s 1978 “selfie” seems particularly fitting.

Koko was trained by Dr. Francine “Penny” Patterson, who began working with her to teach her sign language a year after her birth at the San Francisco Zoo in 1971.

The Gorilla Foundation noted in a release, “The foundation will continue to honor Koko’s legacy and advance our mission with ongoing projects including conservation efforts in Africa, the great ape sanctuary on Maui, and a sign language application featuring Koko for the benefit of both gorillas and children.”

The Gorilla Foundation asks that condolences be sent to [email protected].

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Rest in peace, Koko.

Michele Blood is a Flemington, New Jersey-based freelance writer and a regular contributor to LifeZette.

(photo credit, homepage and article images: The Gorilla Foundation)