It has certainly been awhile since my last post. I must admit that I have been considering November - March my off-season. I meant to explain this in a post and regretfully never got around to it. My apologies to my loyal fans. I have however, been suitably inspired to write this post in memory of a special Washoo player and fan.



The first non-human to learn sign language was a female Chimpanzee. In 1967, she started her training and was able to learn and use 250 different signs and she then taught 3 other younger chimps the language as well. There is still much controversy whether the chimp 'learned and used' sign language or if she just imitated. At any rate, it is well known that the chimp had extremely agile fingers and excellent coordination. Is it any surprise that the chimp's name was 'Washoe'? All that time her trainers were mistaking 'washer throwing form' for the OK sign! I wonder how many of the 250 signs were really just different techniques for throwing washers!



Sadly, on October 30, the Washoo world lost this fabulous animal to natural causes.  She was 42 years old and was just hitting her Washoo prime.  She was an important ambassador for Washoos to the animal world. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.  What was the name of this incredible animal?  Not surprisingly: WASHOE!