Dian Fossey

gorillas · conservation · scientist

Lived with gorillas. Dian Fossey spent almost every single day from 1966 to 1985 studying mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Rwanda. She lived right there with them so she could watch how they behaved and learned to understand their families.

Wrote a famous book. Fossey wrote a book called Gorillas in the Mist about her incredible experiences living alongside these amazing animals. Her book became so popular that Hollywood made it into a movie in 1988.

Helped gorillas heal. Fossey didn't just watch the gorillas from a distance. She helped sick and injured gorillas, treating their wounds and caring for them like a doctor, which showed how much she loved the animals she studied.

Protected endangered animals. Fossey worked hard to stop people from hunting gorillas and destroying their forest homes. Her research proved how smart and emotional gorillas are, which helped convince the world that they deserved protection.

Famous research center. Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Center high in the mountains of Rwanda, where scientists continue to study gorillas today thanks to her groundbreaking work.