Dian Fossey: Animal Rights Activist and Protector of Mountain Gorillas
Crabtree Groundbreaker Biographies Dian Fossey ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND PROTECTOR OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS By Diane Dakers Crabtree Publishing Company www crabtreebooks com
Below A mountain gorilla rests within Virunga National Park in Africa The park was founded primarily as a protected area for the endangered mountain gorillas that make their home in the Virunga Mountains The Virungas run along the borders of Rwanda the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda Inset right Dian Fossey was devoted to the study protection and preservation of mountain gorillas and their habitats She shared a warmth and trust with these gentle animals that was unrivaled by most of her human relationships In this photo the baby gorilla with which Dian is playing is a little difficult to spot against the dark tree but Dian’s delight is hard to miss 44
Chapter 1 Gorilla Girl On April 3 1966 Dian Fossey patiently waited for a chance to speak to one of her idols Louis Leakey was the world’s most famous archaeologist and paleontologist He spent most of his time in Africa where Dian had met him three years earlier On this day he happened to be giving a speech in Louisville Kentucky where Dian now lived She desperately wanted to speak to Louis again so she joined the line of admirers after his lecture But would he remember her Field Notes A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils to understand the history of humans animals and plants An archaeologist studies the past from the prehistoric past through recent times primarily through the excavation or digging up of sites and the examination of artifacts and other remains left behind Dian Fossey is shown in Rwanda with members of her anti-poaching patrol As her fight against poachers who trapped and killed mountain gorillas became increasingly aggressive her methods included not only cutting and seizing snares and traps but chasing and shooting at poachers 5
