Dian Fossey – A Mountain Gorilla Conservationist

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and naturalist renowned for her gorilla conservation efforts. She was born on January 16, 1932, in San Francisco, California, USA. Fossey grew up with her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced. From an early age, she developed a deep love for animals, particularly horses, and initially aspired to become a veterinarian. However, after enrolling in pre-veterinary studies at the University of California, Davis, she later transferred to San Jose State College, where she majored in occupational therapy.

In 1954, after graduating from San Jose State, Fossey completed an internship in California before moving to Louisville, Kentucky. There, she became the director of the occupational therapy department at Kosair Crippled Children’s Hospital. Living on a farm on the outskirts of Louisville, she spent her free time caring for livestock. However, her desire to explore the world—particularly Africa—continued to grow.

Dian Fossey Journey to Africa and Inspiration

In 1963, Fossey used her entire life savings, supplemented with a bank loan, to embark on a trip to Africa. She traveled through Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and the Congo. During this journey, she met famed paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey and her archaeologist husband, Louis Leakey, who were pioneers in the study of human evolution.

Fossey also encountered wildlife photographers Joan and Alan Root, who were filming a documentary about African gorillas. Accompanying them on an expedition, she was captivated by the gorillas and later described her first encounter in her 1983 autobiography, Gorillas in the Mist:

“It was their individuality combined with the shyness of their behavior that remained the most captivating impression of this first encounter with the greatest of the great apes.”

Establishing the Karisoke Research Center

After returning to Kentucky, Fossey reconnected with Louis Leakey in 1966. Recognizing her passion and determination, Leakey invited her to conduct a long-term study of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Believing that studying primates could provide insights into human evolution, Leakey saw great potential in Fossey’s work.

In 1967, Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This facility became a hub for gorilla research and conservation. She divided her time between her fieldwork and pursuing her Ph.D. at Cambridge University, which she earned in 1976. Later, she served as a visiting associate professor at Cornell University.

Her book, Gorillas in the Mist, became a bestseller, raising global awareness about the plight of mountain gorillas. In 1988, the book was adapted into a film of the same name, with Sigourney Weaver portraying Fossey.

Conservation Efforts and Advocacy

Dian Fossey is regarded as one of the foremost experts on mountain gorilla behavior and physiology. She viewed gorillas as intelligent, social creatures with strong family bonds. However, their survival was threatened by poaching, habitat destruction, and human encroachment.

Fossey took an active and sometimes controversial approach to conservation. She opposed efforts to capture gorillas for zoos and fought against government officials who wanted to convert gorilla habitats into farmland. She also worked tirelessly to remove poachers’ traps and even captured and interrogated poachers in an effort to curb illegal hunting. Her extreme measures, including burning poachers’ equipment and allegedly harming their dogs, earned her both admiration and enemies.

Mysterious Death and Legacy of Dian Fossey

On December 26, 1985, Fossey was found brutally murdered in her remote cabin at the Karisoke Research Center. Her attacker was never identified, though it was widely believed that she was killed by poachers or individuals involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

Despite her tragic death, Fossey’s legacy endures. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, originally called the Digit Fund (named after one of her favorite gorillas), continues her conservation work. The Karisoke Research Center remains active, conducting vital research and protecting mountain gorillas. Over the years, the fund’s efforts have expanded to include the conservation of Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other endangered species.

Dian Fossey’s relentless dedication to gorilla conservation brought international attention to their plight and played a crucial role in saving mountain gorillas from the brink of extinction. Today, her pioneering work continues to inspire conservationists around the world, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and protect these remarkable primates.