Dian Fossey Background, Accomplishments, and Museum in Rwanda

Who Was Dian Fossey?

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who dedicated her life to the protection and conservation of mountain gorillas. She carried out continuous research in the Virunga Mountains, focusing on gorilla behavior, ecology, and habituation. Fossey also founded the world-famous Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda.

Born in 1932 in San Francisco, California, she showed a deep love for animals at an early age. By the age of six, she was already learning to ride horses. Later, while working on a ranch in Montana, she developed an even stronger attachment to animals. Initially, she pursued a pre-veterinary course at the University of California, but after finding some courses too challenging, she shifted her focus to occupational therapy at San Jose State College, graduating in 1954.

After her studies, Fossey worked at Kosair Children’s Hospital. However, her passion for animals and Africa pushed her to pursue her dream of studying gorillas. Inspired by a friend’s travel stories and photographs, she took a bank loan to finance her very first trip to Africa.

The First Journey to Africa

Dian Fossey’s maiden trip to Africa introduced her to Kenya, Congo (then Zaire), and Tanzania. With the assistance of John Alexander, a British hunter, she visited Tsavo National Park in Kenya, Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, and the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge, where she met Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey.

In Congo, she also visited Mount Mikeno, where American zoologist George Schaller was conducting gorilla research. His work inspired and laid the foundation for her own studies. The turning point of this trip was her meeting with Dr. Louis Leakey at Olduvai Gorge. He encouraged her to study gorillas and cited examples of Jane Goodall, who had already succeeded in chimpanzee research.

During her time in Congo, Fossey met Allan and Joan Root, filmmakers working on gorilla documentaries. They introduced her to the Virunga Mountains, where she tracked and photographed gorillas for the first time. This experience deeply shaped her future as a primatologist. Although she later returned to the U.S. to continue her hospital work, Africa remained on her mind, and she began publishing her experiences.

The Second Journey and Kabara Camp (1966–1967)

In December 1966, Dian Fossey returned to Africa after Dr. Leakey secured funding for her research project. With Allan Root’s support, she obtained permits to begin her studies in Congo’s Virunga Mountains. She established her first base camp at Kabara meadows on Mount Mikeno, where she identified and began habituating three gorilla groups.

Her efforts were successful, and the gorillas gradually became accustomed to her presence. However, escalating civil conflicts in Congo forced her to abandon the camp. After briefly taking refuge at Rumangabo military camp and later fleeing to Uganda, Fossey shifted her research to Rwanda, determined to continue her mission despite the challenges.

Establishment of the Karisoke Research Center

In Rwanda, Fossey received support from local expatriates who helped her settle in the mountains between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. On September 24, 1967, she officially established the Karisoke Research Center, combining the names of the two volcanoes.

At Karisoke, Fossey faced challenges such as language barriers and the difficulty of habituating gorillas who had suffered from poaching. Many gorillas in Rwanda were fearful of humans due to the violence of poachers and animal traders. Despite these obstacles, Fossey persisted, using patience and determination to build trust with the gorillas.

Her conservation work intensified as she began fighting against poaching directly. She destroyed snares, marked trespassing livestock, and even confronted poachers, risking her life. To strengthen anti-poaching efforts, she recruited and equipped local rangers, creating a stronger line of defense for the endangered primates.

Digit – The Beloved Gorilla

Among the gorillas at Karisoke, Fossey formed a special bond with a silverback named Digit. Their close relationship drew global attention, as Digit often appeared in photographs and became an icon for gorilla conservation. Tragically, Digit was killed by poachers in 1977. His death devastated Fossey but also fueled her determination.

She created the Digit Fund to raise money for anti-poaching activities and to spread awareness about gorilla conservation. This fund later became the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which continues her legacy today.

Writing and Recognition

In 1983, Dian Fossey published her groundbreaking book Gorillas in the Mist, detailing her years of research and her bond with mountain gorillas. The book not only highlighted her scientific work but also emphasized the urgent need for conservation. A film adaptation of the book was later released, with Sigourney Weaver portraying Dian Fossey.

The Death of Dian Fossey

On December 27, 1985, Fossey was found murdered in her cabin at Karisoke. Her body bore machete wounds, indicating a brutal killing. While many believe poachers were behind her death, the exact circumstances remain unresolved, and no one was ever convicted.

She was buried at Karisoke, in a cemetery she had created for the gorillas she lost to poaching. Her grave lies next to her beloved Digit, symbolizing their unbreakable bond.

The Dian Fossey Legacy and Museum

Today, Fossey’s work continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Karisoke Research Center. Her grave and former research site remain a pilgrimage point for visitors trekking the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda.

Tourists can also visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a state-of-the-art facility in Rwanda dedicated to research, conservation, and education. Entry to the site costs $20 for Rwandan citizens, $15 for East African residents, and $25 for international visitors.

For those who wish to trek to Dian Fossey’s grave at Karisoke, the guided hike costs $75 per person, offering an opportunity to walk in her footsteps and reflect on her enduring contribution to gorilla conservation.