What Is Dian Fossey Most Famous For? Dian fossey is famously known as an American primatologist and conservationist who had an extensive study about the mountain gorillas and it well known that her research contributed a lot towards the increase in number of the mountain gorillas in the wild.
Dian Fossey was born January 16, 1985, 1985 in San Francisco, California, United States. All she had as a child was her mother and stepfather. She was reportedly a stellar student and had a deep love for animals at a very young age. Her primary school began offering horseback riding lessons when she was six years old. Additionally, she competed in horseback riding and gained experience when she got to high school. Later, she was awarded a letter for riding in the school team.
Dian Fossey decided to concentrate on business at Marin Junior College after applying for business studies when she first enrolled in college. This was a result of her inspiration and motivation coming from her very successful and affluent stepfather. She was allowed to go and remain at the Montana ranch for her summer vacation at the age of 19. Here, she would help with animal care and farm tasks. She fell in love and formed a bond with the animals at the ranch. She unfortunately became ill with chickenpox quite quickly, which forced her to abruptly depart the ranch.
She was compelled to follow her passion of saving animals by her intense devotion to them and her time spent at the ranch. More so, Dian fossey was inspired by many other several individuals like; Jane Goodall, Louis Leakey and George Schaller. Therefore, she went back to school and applied to the University of California’s pre-veterinary doctor programme. She struggled with several course units, such physics and chemistry, just like any other student would, and in the end, she decided to concentrate on earning an occupational therapy degree at the College of San Jose, from which she graduated in 1954.
Dian Fossey’s Graduation and beyond.
After her graduation, Fossey worked as an intern with patients suffering from tuberculosis and those who were disabled in a number of hospitals in California. Less than a year later, she was recruited to serve as the director of the occupational therapy department of Kosair Stunted Children’s Hospital, where she delighted in serving the Kentucky population. She was a city girl living on a farm yet, where the owner let her work with the animals and she relished the experience.
Although Fossey liked her time on the farm, she yearned to travel and experience more of the world’s diverse fauna. On one occasion, her friend travelled to Africa for a vacation. She returned with images of the wild creatures in their natural habitat. In addition, Fossey was motivated by this to resolve that she had to go there on her own sometime.
After yearning to go on Africa safari for many more years, Dian Fossey concluded that she would need to take matters into her own hands in order to make her dream come true. Consequently, Fossey started making plans to visit the African continent in 1963 and obtained a bank loan. She was ready to travel to the country of her dreams after hiring a driver by mail.
How long did Dian Fossey spend in Africa?
In order to realize her lifelong ambition of travelling to Kenya in east Africa, Dian Fossey had to use a bank loan and all of her life savings to get there in September 1963. She travelled to Zimbabwe, Tanzania, the Congo, and Kenya. A British hunter named John Alexander served her and served as her tour guide throughout all three of the countries. The route he planned included Tsavo, the Africa’s largest national park, the saline lake of Manyara, famous for attracting giant flocks of flamingos and the Ngoro Ngoro crater, well known for the abundant wildlife.
She also travelled to Mt. Mikeno in the Congo, where American scientist DR. George Schaller conducted a groundbreaking study on the mountain gorilla in 1959, and the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, the archaeological site of Louis and Mary Leakey. The first individual to conduct research on mountain gorillas was Dr. George. Furthermore, the research that would become Dian Fossey’s lifelong job was made possible by his efforts.
Dian Fossey turning point.
Dian Fossey had the opportunity to speak with naturalist Dr. Louis Leakey when she visited the Oldvai Gorge. Furthermore, Dian’s life underwent a significant shift because of the encounter. Dr. Leaky informed Dian about the Goodall’s’ work with chimpanzees in Tanzania, which was currently only in its third year, during the visit. He also told her about his long-term convictions and his research with the big apes. The doctor was thrilled when Fossey also shared her love of animals with him. After her safari, she went back to California and later on returned to Africa to fulfill her dream.
Once more, Dian Fossey was travelling to Africa in December 1966. When she got to Nairobi, Joan Root helped her get the supplies she needed. In an ancient canvas topped land rover that she called Lily, she started out for the Congo. Dr. Leaky had bought it for her. Dian stopped along the route to see Jane Goodall and peek at her study techniques at the Gombe Stream study Centre.
The establishment of the Research Centre.
After making multiple safaris to Africa, Dian Fossey made the decision to remain in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and safeguard the local fauna. The primary concentration was on mountain gorillas. After that, she founded a research centre that significantly contributed to the effort to stop poaching. Through unconventional means, the encroachers included cattle grazers. They honored them in a number of ways, such as donning masks, setting fire to snares, and spray painting livestock to deter herders. Occasionally, they confronted poachers head-on, prompting a confrontation. She went on a head and bought boots and park warden outfits with her own money.
True bond between Dian Fossey and Digit
The gorilla who was sociable was called Digit. Dian formed a close friendship with the mountain gorilla throughout her studies, and they became quite close. When this gorilla was encountered in 1967, it was approximately five years old and part of a group of four. It was an extremely happy and playful animal. Unfortunately, however, poachers killed Digit on December 31, 1977; he died attempting to protect his troop so that they may safely flee. He suffered significant injuries to his wrists and head from many stab wounds. After a while, more people would pass away, including Uncle Bert, the dominant silver back, and group 4 would split off. It was then that Dian declared war against the poachers through killing their dogs that used to kill the animals.
Dian Fossey Death.
Dian was discovered deceased in her cabin early on December 27, 1985 after attacking the neighbour’s dogs by killing them. She was hit twice on the head and face with a machete. There was evidence of forced entry but no signs that robbery had been the motive. The theory of her murder has been not varied but has never resolved until today, she was buried in December 26, 1985 where she was laid to rest beneath her cabin at Karisoke in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, next to her beloved friend digit. Therefore, for tourists on a safari in Rwanda can always opt to visit in Volcanoes National Park where you will get the opportunities to hike the Tomb of Dian Fossey and get to learn more about her life with Primate Species.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about why Dian Fossey is famous and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in countries like; Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
