Koko the Gorilla Meets Mister Rogers (Mr. McFeely Interview)

Fred Rogers' program, “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,” featured Koko the Gorilla in a 1998 episode. Fred emphasized the power of love for animals and how there are human aspects to the way animals think and feel. Koko is seen hugging Mister Rogers and teaching him how to do sign language. That appearance was among the most memorable moments on the show, according to Margy Whitmer, one of its longtime producers. David Newell who plays Mr.McFeely shares his memories from this episode. (Edited by Anna Szymanski)

[@jamesbarnhart1232]

This world could use a Mr. Rogers today.

[@bobblowhard8823]

And a Koko.

[@donnarowe1890]

I agree!

[@niteowl365]

I agree

[@YouTubeExplore777]

Robin Williams and Mr Rogers ever meet?

[@YouTubeExplore777]

Robin Williams and Mr Rogers ever meet?

[@julscatten2640]

“These gorillas watched Mr Rogers…” I love that. Of course they did. You want to make any intelligent animal love humans, you show them Mr Rogers.

[@wvguy7238]

Hope they also showed them Bob Ross.

[@johnward3874]

Also "alone in the wilderness"

[@brotherlittlefoot2216]

@@wvguy7238 Sasquatches love Bob Ross.

[@melissapietrok8050]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rebeccaduboise285]

That is so Sweet.❤

[@reshsgurl]

He was such an exemplary human being. I miss Mr. Rogers. ♥️

[@chaosdweller]

Indeed

[@donnarowe1890]

I agree! I miss him too.

[@danburnes722]

He was one of the few if not only celebrity where I felt genuine sadness when he passed. He was such a kind soul in which we are in desperate need.

[@nancy6160]

Me too! I used to watch his show if I was having a bad day. ❤

[@kennethgourdin3266]

If all of us could be even just a little bit more like Fred Rogers, this would be a much better world! Warm Regards and Best Wishes, @Kenngo1969

[@cindyoconnell2471]

I can’t believe how relaxed Mr. Rogers was with Koko, but of course Mr. Rogers was always mild mannered. Koko was so sweet with him!

[@GaiaCarney]

cindy - yes! My two all-time favorite apes: Koko and Mister Rogers 🤗

[@MrWolfSnack]

Robin Williams also loved Koko

[@Michou_888]

Mr. Rogers Zen Master

[@soflodoug]

right? Like coco was a little kid. Can you say shoes coco?😂

[@thegraphicone9298]

Rip Koko and Mr Rogers

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

_koko has already been reincarnated as a human being_

[@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858]

_Mr Rogers also graduated. His next incarnation will be in an invisible light body. You know, that voice you hear in your head telling you what's right._

[@itiswhatitaintanditaintwha1427]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ARolls-dd2zd]

The world needs them both.

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie3]

​@@anhumblemessengerofthelawo3858 Balderdash!

[@cybersal7]

Mr. Rogers took his shoes off at every show, and put on his slippers. Koko knew exactly what to do. Fred Rogers was one-of-a-kind and most people know nothing about his pre-show life.

[@chamuuemura5314]

You’re right! I forgot that! Koko’s even smarter than we gave credit for.

[@Fuglychick]

I was thinking the same thing!!! ❤

[@prime-mate]

❤❤ she knew..

[@chocochipleesy]

🥰

[@WooHooCrossStitch]

What a beautiful moment. RIP Koko. I'd like to think that Koko has now gone to visit Mr Rogers.

[@npc77107]

Yes he has.

[@miranda13c]

Absolutely.

[@slipperyweaseljuice4611]

And Robin. 100% The 3 of them are together just chilling in Heaven. I really hope. :)

[@joelspringman523]

That's a nice thought.

[@joelspringman523]

@@slipperyweaseljuice4611 Let us hope.

[@tracym8952]

To hear that the gorillas could comprehend mr rogers to any degree is mind blowing. The message of love knows no species

[@WhileMyGuineaPigGentlyWheeks]

Beautifully said, Tracy! Love connects us all, such a beautiful thing it is. ❤️

[@itsallinthehead]

This man deserves the adoration of all the future generations of children to come as eager to learn as those he educated in his lifetime. I truly feel rewarded to have grown up watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

[@SomeDumUsrName]

Same! On both accounts.

[@michaellorenzen8200]

I agree 100% although most kids have a Tik Tok attention span which is actually less than a common goldfish 3 shows as a 60s-70s boy Mister Rodgers , Sesame Street , and Electric Company honorable mention to Captain Kangaroo and Zoom !

[@DamienXavier1828]

Agreed. He was a wonderful man and always brightened my morning when I got to watch him. 😢

[@happycamper3561]

Koko had her own pet kitten and it was truly a beautiful relationship

[@ihatemirrors1216]

His name was AllBall and he got hit by a car :(

[@julieporter7805]

She had two: All Ball and Lipstick.

[@JanFWeh]

​@@ihatemirrors1216 They should have never let Koko behind the wheel

[@d.b.1176]

@@JanFWeh gorillas can’t drive, it’s orangutans that can drive golf carts.

[@KameraShy]

@@d.b.1176 They should race.

[@homemade_vancity]

Fred Rogers was a magical person. I'm certain Koko recognized him and knew the genuine kindness he exudes. Probably one of the most memorable meetings for both Fred and Koko.

[@CMBmuri]

Mr. McFeely's face was a constant part of my life...after my brother used his Make-A-Wish to visit Mr. Roger's Neighborhood not only did Fred do amazing things for him but there is a picture of my brother and McFeely in the head honcho's chair that hung on my childhood walls. They treated him like a god for a few hours literally a few days before he died. Everyone who had anything to do with this show is a righteous dude in my eyes.

[@meowmew444]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful memory, I'm so glad your brother was able to experience that joy before he passed on. I'd like to think Mr. Rogers, Koko, and your brother can visit each other now and wtach over you and your family. Wishing you the best.

[@sharonsienaski6919]

What a beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@janineshearer4236]

Sorry for the loss of your brother....Thank you for sharing this...and I agree with what Meowmew said...that I think they must all be together...in a place where time doesn't matter any more...and so, plenty of time...to spend time...watching over you....

[@kristinholsapple6734]

WoW definitely not something I shld be reading on my lunch break , my condolences!!!! And now I will go to the bathroom and fix my mascara that is streaming down my face 😊

[@kevinwebster5565]

Koko is making a joke, “take off your shoes, buddy,” just like the show.

[@whatadollslife]

yes ..Mr Rogers changed his shoes ,you are right

[@ericholck3914]

For over 30 years, Fred Rogers taught children the most important lesson of all: how to be kind and care about others. I'm not so sure it's merely a coincidence that the world has become a much harsher place since he left us.

[@jasonhurd4379]

I was thinking the same thing. The final episode of Mr Rogers' Neighborhood was shown in 2001, which means there is a whole generation that has grown up without seeing him on a daily basis. The cruelty, selfishness and sociopathy that are now running rampant in the USA are surely no accident.

[@sammitchell3657]

Robin Williams and Mr Roger's both saw and interacted with Koko. Two of the world's kindest people and the world's kindest mammal.

[@lisasamuelson8774]

Don't forget Betty White too!!

[@Ratigun]

If Mr. Rogers taught you to be kind in the world, it's up to you to show people the same kindness he showed us.

[@angie38]

As a child, I knew he represented true human kindness.

[@joelspringman523]

She was so sweet and gentle, and he was a kind and gentle man. It's not surprising that they would take to each other.

[@mr.deedsgoestotown6155]

I think the reason they got on so well is that there is an underlying trust and bond between two souls albeit of different species. The world could learn a profound lesson from watching these two. Thanks for posting this. It's great.

[@ericv7531]

Mister Rogers was everyone’s friend. Every one of us. What a great video

[@jediknight73]

This guy was such a good man

[@davidtsmith33]

That gorilla was so intelligent, gentle and loving. Good to see him meet with a like soul as Mister Rogers.

[@TheTaiylorWallace]

Not only with Mr. Rogers but also Robin Williams and some others- it's fascinating to see the people who really connected with Koko and how there is a clear mutual curiosity, a mimicking of one another to show affection and friendliness, and the people who really connected talked to Koko like a fellow human and I believe she and many animals like her can and did understand tone. I think it's beautiful that humans and animals who want to connect mimic each other, and we learn body language to better connect over time, and we have animal behaviorists who devote their whole careers to this and teaching others about it. Today we have animals who understand large vocabularies and can even use buttons and signals to talk back, and we have humans who are practically members of packs and prides. It's beautiful.

[@lisasamuelson8774]

Betty White too!!

[@lynnharrell9598]

Well, of course Koko loved Mr. Rogers. I tear up every time I see a video with Mr. Rogers in it. So much nostalgia.

[@schmitty1437]

Koko was such an intelligent and kind soul. I'm glad she was able to have wonderful friends like Fred and Robin. Humans and gorillas share so much similarity and it's wonderful to witness the bond between our species 🦍♥

[@lisasamuelson8774]

Betty White was also one of her famous friends!!

[@adamdesanti6713]

Fred and Koko. Two absolute legends.

[@ZobethC]

The last thing Mr. Rogers said to Koko, “I hope we meet again.” I bet they did in the after life. #RIP Koko and Fred Rogers 💕

[@susansilvey1614]

this just brings tears to my eyes-I'm so glad Coco got to visit with Mr. Rogers-one of the only gentle persons in this world

[@chaosdweller]

Haha I know right.

[@jeffl4896]

Two wonderfully pure souls…love this video

[@raylarkin5004]

Once i had children, i became able to get Mr, Rogers. Fred was a truly inspiring man 24/7! I would watch my children watch him and was awe struck at his genuine humane nature and loved him from then on. Fred, you are sorely missed but never forgotten. Rest in eternal peace my dear friend.⚘

[@Kevenough]

I had a book about Coco as a kid. I remember this blowing my mind at 7 that she wasnt hostile my any measure. I remember thinking I just wanted a big hug from Coco. I still do.

[@justasec7183]

Amazing. Even Koko could feel the sincerity of the love of our beloved Mr. Rogers. Fred Rogers was a once-in-a-lifetime force of nature, and I feel incredibly blessed to have known him in my lifetime.

[@Mauisunshine9]

It’s so sad that both of them are no longer here with us. Rest In Peace Koko and Mr. Rodgers❤

[@louisegogel7973]

Mr Rogers was a being who flowed pure Love through his thoughts, words, actions, and interactions. Koko and any animal would instantly feel that! Animals are mostly always in tune and aware.

[@637man3]

Hard to believe the walls of that room could contain all that love. Two of the finest spirits we've ever known, I'd like to believe wherever they are they hang out on a regular basis.

[@innovator90]

Mr. Rogers was one of a kind. There will never be another like him. He truly was magical. The world was really better with him. RIP Mr. Roger and Koko

[@AuntieMamies]

This is tear jerkingly sweet. My heart can't take it. They were both so exceptional. ❤️❤️

[@chuckgnades6672]

this made me cry y’all. mr. rogers was such a good and positive guy. always encouraging.

[@Zuxiasunicorn]

Fred and Koko. RIP.

[@JM800]

Koko was beautiful inside and out. Fred Rodgers was such a gentle soul.

[@MiddleAgedBob]

Koko chilled with both Mr Rogers and Robin Williams. I'm kind of jealous.

[@lisasamuelson8774]

Also don't forget Betty White!!

[@g-man2507]

What a wonderful and special lady she was. Rest in peace, Koko.

[@andrelavoie924]

why can't we as a species have more him? he was what humanity should aim for, decency, kindness a sense of wonder for everything....

[@FloridaManMatty]

Her interactions with Fred Rogers and Robin Williams were transcendent. The footage of her with Robin still brings me to tears. He was so enamored with that Gorilla…

[@americansoldier2530]

I would be so apprehensive to get that close to a fully grown gorilla.. but I'd also be so excited at the opportunity that I'd have to take the risk. That creature is just absolutely amazing. Truly majestic and beautiful. And they're so intelligent and emotionally strong. It breaks my heart that there are people on this planet that have absolutely no problem killing, torturing, hurting or putting into encaptivation, these magnificent cousins of ours.

[@suesorensen2440]

What a beautiful and touching event❣ All creatures are capable of communicating in their own way and are deserving of love and respect. Rest in PeAcE, Koko ... and Fred Rogers

[@syrupofwahoo3059]

Grew up with Mr Rogers’s neighborhood and am so greatful for the peaceful, gentle nature of this man…I think Koko even spent time with Robin Williams…. 3 treasures I miss but am glad to have experienced

[@jbilletz]

How incredible was this. Fred was a extraordinary human being. Glad he served as one of my role models growing up. This generation needs another Mr. Rogers.

[@edwinvaldivian1941]

Talk about how we need Fred Rogers right now in this generation that became such a hellhole, he saw the future how the 60s were going to look like and from the years and generations that have went by he was right and now that Fred has been passed for 20 years exactly we can see why we need this man to this day because these children are out of control and it's a shame that nobody ever had the gift like Fred Rogers, but there is always be light 🕯️ at the end of the tunnel ❤️ God bless you mr. Rogers

[@AuntieMamie]

We love you Mr McFeely. I have a son with challenges and Mr Rogers and his team help him every day. I’m beholden and can’t express my gratitude without crying. We miss Mr Rogers dearly. Thank goodness for books and reruns. But not the same. My son depends on the kindness and gentility that is espoused by this special man.

[@tootieq6527]

The world needs more Koko’s and Mr. Rogers’.

[@qmnnvrdyz8965]

I'll never forget the story of Koko and her kitty, All Ball...sweet and incredibly sad. She was an amazing, awesome animal! ❤❤

[@nataliestaheli51602]

I truly miss just sitting down and watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood!! Even though I'm in my 40s, just hearing that tune and his voice, just brings me so much joy and takes me back to when I watched his show! There'll never be another show like his!

[@annika_panicka]

So beautiful. I was moved to tears. R.I.P. Mr. Rogers and Koko 💕

[@mchapman1928]

How could you not smile watching Koko interact with Mr. Rogers? She was such a magnificent gorilla and he was a dear, sweet man. Animals can sense good people. Some animals can have an intellect……an octopus for example…..but it’s something very special to have an animal with intellect and a sense of humor. Koko was a joy to behold. RIP to both.

[@tomgreenlives]

Mr rogers went in there with no fear. He loved koko as much as she loved him. I think Koko saw our creator thru him.

[@sarahdeshay1394]

Koko saw a caring being who posed no threat to her, I doubt she was foolish enough to believe there is or was a creator.

[@tullochmacdonald4245]

Mr. Rogers, a man to show us how to live life in a loving way. A man who I miss. You left us an amazing legacy. I would love to be your neighbor when I reach heaven. RIP and God bless you.

[@edwardizhonig204]

They were both so inspirational and beautiful!

[@pamelashuster9794]

God bless Mr Rogers. He feels like an honorary member of every family in America. I know he was mine. Both as a child and an adult, when raising my own children. We all love Mr. Rogers and we were very upset when we learned of his death. But thank God for reruns. The time he spent with Koko and shared with us was very special. I loved the way that Mr. Rogers was as fascinated with Koko as Koko was with him. He was special and he is truly missed. ❤

[@billferguson776]

Two sweet individuals with completely pure loving hearts. ❤❤

[@benjamindominguez568]

How can you not cry at the sweetness of this scene, Koko and Mr. Roger two beings that were too good for this world 😢😢

[@jenjeff316]

Many have tried to fill the shoes of Mister Rogers and all have fallen short. God bless you mr. Rogers, thank you for meaningful television when I was a child growing up.

[@heartlove7502]

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood seeing Mr. Rogers ❤

[@irodney47]

We need Mr Rogers now… I miss that guy…

[@thomasmccullough2719]

God bless you Mr Rogers....the world needs more people like you

[@georgesabol459]

He was a special man, Mr. Rogers, as was Koko. God, we use more like those 2 in the world today.

[@CaliKiwi-]

His calm gentle spirit is so missed today..

[@Buggy-su4oy]

David was great as the deliveryman...funny that he was so young and playing so old back then...Fred was such a sweet man.

[@armageddonready4071]

Look how much she loves him, kind of heart warming to know how powerful love can be, it is the tie that binds us all on this planet. Semper fi earthlings

[@pinetreeflag1517]

The most wholesome video on the internet.

[@justgranny9601]

I'm 63. I still watch Mr. Rogers. He's very soothing.

[@Keep_Intentions_Pure]

İ have one word about him and this video: Magical

[@chaosdweller]

🤔

[@Seven50ml]

Let us all learn from Fred and Koko and just be kind towards each other.

[@jeannemarie3704]

This is so heartwarming and beautiful..

[@paulavandeusen8930]

Koko was a girl gorilla. 💕That's important to get right when narrating.

[@tvtimetravel]

I think they mean Koko teaching Mr. Rogers sign language.

[@melissawilliams2325]

Yes, she was a female gorilla 🦍. She knew 300 words I think in sign language.

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie3]

The narrator called Koko a him.

[@pyrettablaze0414]

These things are what make me miss my childhood. ❤ Reality was a good place back then.

[@Kissameassa538]

There will NEVER be another Koko, she captured everyone’s heart and you can’t duplicate that. .RIP Koko. ❤️🇬🇧

[@tinarussell1613]

Mr. Rogers. What’s not to love what an extraordinary human being. Coco knew it to.

[@tibedog5629]

Koko meeting Robin Williams was also a very precious broadcast

[@bxchicc7799]

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers RIP to them both🦍❤️

[@kathryncarter6143]

I would have a fantastic time getting to visit Koko too. She was gone too soon, but left the world with so very much to appreciate.

[@tracylf5409]

Fred Rogers. The best human being to show any outside of our world as a representative.

[@lizvan5183]

Every one including Animals loved Mr. Rogers - He was a very unique and special person

[@thesnuggler9606]

Mr. Rogers was too pure for this world.

[@iknowheis]

Beautiful!

[@user-cs2py5rx6y]

What a heartfelt interaction between the two. Mr. Rogers was a very good man and the world was better off with him here.

[@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

I love how Koko took off Mr. Rogers shoes since that’s what he always did on his shows!

[@margaretcastellano3167]

That was just magical! Mr. Rogers will always be one of my heros😊

[@Buggy-su4oy]

KoKo really bonded with Fred and the fact that she was sad when he left.

[@thomandstacieverroad8417]

Pure class that Fred Rogers was.

[@Flower_Hopey]

Gorillas are fascinating! They’re so intelligent.

[@maryannturton9830]

Beautiful! Animals feel our energy! Fred Rodgers had a beautiful spirit,as did Koko!

[@SUNNY70.]

Who doesn't love Mr. Roger's???❤😊

[@melissawilliams2325]

Is that David Newell who played Mr. McFeely on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, it sure looks like him. I remember this episode. Koko was a smart girl. Rip, Koko and Mr. Rogers

[@SwiftFoxMedia]

Yes, that's David Newell in this interview.

[@melissawilliams2325]

@@SwiftFoxMedia , I figured it was. I read his name at the top. Oh, 😮 my goodness. I hadn't seen him in years since Mr. Rogers was cancelled. David looked so different in this interview 😯, without looking like Mr. McFeely. That's so crazy.

[@mark11967AD]

Koko was truly an amazing.. being. As was Mr. Rogers.

[@nrivera4380]

What a special interaction, just lovely!

[@doctorno0070]

Animals are able to determine kind, gentle people from the crowd. Koko was one of those exeptional souls able to communicate their feelings and responses on our level.

[@bubisl8agen]

I grew up watching this show it was nothing but, awesome!

[@joejimenez6892]

Incredible scene! Koko was so cute! Mr. Rogers is my Hero for ever!

[@KellySmith-qq1hy]

I love Mr Rogers. What a great guy he was.