Dian Fossey (1932-1985)

• Fossey was an American primatologist and conservationist.
• After finding her course as a pre-veterinary student challenging, she changed route and graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from San Jose State College.
• She was very passionate about animals and had a dream of visiting Africa, being realised in 1963.
• Thanks to a meeting with Louis Leaky and his subsequent funding, Fossey was able to return to Africa to carry out research about gorillas.
• In 1967, she developed a research camp named the ‘Karisoke Research Center’ in Rwanda to help her with her research into the gorillas there.
• Through her ‘active conservation’ and personal funds, Fossey created the first Karisoke anti-poaching patrols.
• She authored a book called ‘Gorillas in the mist’ and a film adaptation was created in later years: both works are still popular today.

Text and Image: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Author: Gabriele Perminaite (2021) LJMU Student

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