Determined to work with these creatures she won support from National Geographic Socoiety and the Wilkie Foundation in 1966. They supported her in setting up a research site in Ziare. Then political powers moved her in 1967. She was literally forced out of the region due to pollitical struggles. Dian was so determined that she tried to sneak back into the park and was arrested and taken to the capital. They released her but they didn't shake her. She was moved to Rwanda. She then established the Karisoke site. The site was in the Parc National des Volcans. In 1970 a gorilla named Peanuts touched her hand. That was the first friendly gorilla human contact ever.
She regarded them as gentle and not violent as previously precieved. She had one expirmental gorilla named Digit who she became fond of. The gorilla was gentle and recognized her every time she came around. They became more and more attached. She spent thousands of hours studying these creatures. She earned trust from complete wild groups. Then poachers killed Digit. She began a campaign against gorilla poaching. The National Geographic wrote in-depth articles on gorilla poaching and contributions came from around the world. The Digit Fund was eastablished. She dedicated the rest of her life to the conservation and protection of these beatiful creatures.
Dian Fossey was killed on December 26, 1985. Her death is still unsolved. Dian Fossey's work still lives on. Mountain gorillas numbers are slowly by steadly rising. Her dedication to these creatures is unmet today. Gorillas in the midst was made into a movie. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was established in her name so that it will live on as a woman dedicated to a dream that endangered species will live on.
Dian Fossey was one of the main reasons that the world is paying close attention to the mountain gorilla population. She set up many establishments that are helping the endangered speices of the world. Without Dian Fossey the mountain gorillas may not be around. She was one of the major factors in the enviromental movement that may still be felt throughout the world. The whole world owes a lot to this wonderful woman who is still remembered today as an author, a scientists and a strong hearted soul. For further inofrmation on Dian Fossey or on gorillas visit these sites:
For information on Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund visit http://www.gorillafund.org For information on Gorillas visit http://www.selu.com/~bio/gorillaFor information on Gorilla project visit http://deathstar.rutgers.edu/projects/gorilla/gorilla.html
