Dian+Fossey

Dian was born in California in 1932. She was interested in animals her whole life and on a trip to Africa, became interested in mountain gorillas. She lived among gorillas for 18 years, gaining their trust. She recorded their diet, behavior, and natural habitat.



 She was the first person to voluntarily and peacefully touch a gorilla. She was one of the first activists towards land conservation.



 Dian Fossey studied under Jane Goodall. She started working against poaching when one of her favorite gorillas, Digit, was killed. She published the book, Gorillas in the Mist.  She was murdered when she was only 53 years old. On her grave stone it said, No one loved gorillas more. Universal Studios produced a movie from her book, Gorillas in the Mist. Sigourney Weaver played Dian Fossey.