https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7wFotDKEF4

I talk about apes and monkeys a lot, but anyone who's followed me around the net may notice I've never mentioned Koko. That's because I believe Koko was not in an ideal situation, and was being exploited. This video also goes into minor details about another famous great ape with supposed speech abilities: Kanzi the bonobo. Koko may have left us, but Kanzi is still alive, now being cared for by the Ape Cognition Initiative.

Kanzi was also allegedly mistreated by his handlers (specifically Dr Savage). I hope now he has peace in the sanctuary setting he lives in today.

My final take on the question of can great apes talk: Yeah they already do, they speak chimp/gorilla/bonobo to each other. They can understand directions from us as well, so they have some form of recognition for words. As for if it's beyond teaching a dog commands, I'm still not sure.