Dian Fossey captures the essence of
what makes the Mountain Gorillas a truly great species.
Dian was leading a relatively normal life in USA, when she made a short trip to Africa. She brought back some pictures and written descriptions of her experience with Mountain Gorillas. This eventually led to her being designated as one of “Leakey’s Angels”. She was chosen to study Mountain Gorillas, just as Jane Goodall and Birute M. Galdikas were chosen to study Chimpanzees and Orangutans respectively.
Dian was leading a relatively normal life in USA, when she made a short trip to Africa. She brought back some pictures and written descriptions of her experience with Mountain Gorillas. This eventually led to her being designated as one of “Leakey’s Angels”. She was chosen to study Mountain Gorillas, just as Jane Goodall and Birute M. Galdikas were chosen to study Chimpanzees and Orangutans respectively.
Dian with her favorite gorilla, Digit |
Digit’s massacre by poachers led to Dian starting the “Digit
Fund”, which is now known as “The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International”. Dian
advocated “Active Conservation” efforts to save the Gorillas.
She also found “Karisoke Research Center”, which continues
Fossey’s work in studying Mountain Gorillas.
Click on the link below to buy the book:
Dian was murdered in her cabin in 1985. Her murder still remains
unsolved to this day.
Dian was not perfect. She was reported to be a heavy drinker as
well as a different person to get along with. She was also not the first person
to study Mountain Gorillas. Still, she will always be remembered for
dedicating her life to studying Mountain Gorillas and ensuring that people all
over the world know about the plight of these magnificent apes. Dian’s book is
a rare insight into her awe-inspiring work.
Highly recommended to people who love Mountain Gorillas or are
interested to know more about Dian Fossey.
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Image Source: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Inc
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Great review! I haven't read the book yet though I did buy it after watching the movie, Gorillas in the Mist. I love animals and support a lot of wildlife funds and animal shelters. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Serena for the compliment. I too have contributed in my own small way towards wildlife conservation and hope to do more in the future :)
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