Dian Fossey continues to spark a love for mountain gorillas

I have never known anyone, let alone a child, who had such passion for something. Such a strong desire to learn everything they possibly could, and then still want to learn more. That is, until my son Dylan.

While researching topics for his new business, Dylan's Animal Adventures, we came across an article about Dian Fossey. He asked me who she was and wanted to know more about her and her work with the mountain gorillas. I suggested we watch the movie Gorillas in the Mist together. The outcome was not what I expected.


The interest was there. The understanding of what was happening during the movie was there. The concept that this was based on a true story was there. And the heart of a little boy who desperately wants to save all the animals was there when Digit was killed by poachers. The tears were flowing. It was real for him. No longer a movie, but a real animal that had been taken from this world, from his family.

Dylan did not want to watch the rest of the movie, but I encouraged him to watch and to see the wonderful work that Dian Fossey did for the mountain gorilla species.

After the movie ended I asked him what he thought of Gorillas in the Mist.

He said awesome.

What do you think about Dian Fossey?

She was wonderful. She really loved the gorillas and they loved her.

How did the movie make you feel?

It makes me want to do even more for the mountain gorillas now.


Yes, Dian Fossey, 28 years after your passing, you are still an inspiration and an advocate for the mountain gorillas. Your passion will live on in those like you and we will continue to fight for your mountain, for your gorillas, and for Digit.

To learn more about Dian Fossey, there is a wonderful article from the National Geographic archives that you can read here.