Fossey, Dian (1932-1985), American zoologist, whose field studies of wild gorillas in the
Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire)
served to dispel many myths about the violent and aggressive nature of gorillas. Born in
San Francisco, Fossey graduated from San Jose State College in 1954 with a degree in
occupational therapy; she then worked at a children's hospital in Kentucky for several years.
Inspired by the writings of American zoologist George B. Schaller, Fossey traveled to Africa
in 1963. There she observed mountain gorillas in the wild and visited the British anthropologist
Louis Leakey. Leakey, believing that studies of great apes would shed light on the subject of
human evolution, encouraged Fossey to undertake a long-term field study of gorillas.
Fossey was an astute and patient observer of gorilla behavior. She knew each individual in her
study area, and she came to regard the gorillas as gentle, social animals. Her study site,
Karisoke, became an international center for gorilla research when she established the Karisoke
Research Center in 1967. Fossey received a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Cambridge in
1974. Her book, Gorillas in the Mist (1983), recounts observations from her years of field
research.
Fossey spent 22 years studying the ecology and behavior of mountain gorillas. In 1985 she was
found murdered at her campsite. Some authorities believe she was murdered in retaliation for
her efforts to stop the poaching of gorillas and other animals in Africa. Due largely to
Fossey's research and conservation work, mountain gorillas are now protected by the government
of Rwanda and by the international conservation and scientific communities.
"Fossey, Dian," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 98 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1997
Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Other Links of interest
Dian Fossey Biography
