Washoe was a chimpanzee known for her groundbreaking work in language acquisition. Born in 1965, she was raised in a human-like environment by researchers Allen and Beatrix Gardner at the University of Nevada, Reno. Washoe learned to communicate using American Sign Language, becoming the first non-human to acquire a human language. Her ability to sign demonstrated that apes could learn complex communication skills. Washoe's success led to further studies on language in primates, influencing research on cognitive abilities in animals. She lived until 2007, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire discussions about animal intelligence and communication.