Dian Fossey

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

Wednesday is her birthday. She was born on 16 January 1932. She was called one of the foremost primatologists in the world while she was alive. Fossey, along with Jane Goodall and Birutė Galdikas, was part of the so-called "Leakey's Angels", a group of three prominent researchers on primates (Fossey on gorillas; Goodall on chimpanzees; and Galdikas on orangutans) sent by anthropologist Louis Leakey to study great apes in their natural environments. Her work was publicized in the movie Gorillas in the Mist.

She viewed the holding of animals in "prison" (zoos) for the entertainment of people as unethical. Poaching was a means of profit in Rwanda. Dr Fossey strongly opposed poaching, the capture of animals for exhibition in zoos and the promotion of tourism in remote African areas. The last entry in her diary read: “When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future."

She was murdered over night and found on 27 December 1985 in her bedroom. All her valuables were still in her cabin including thousands of dollars in cash, travelers' checks and photo equipment.

I believe the theory that she was killed by those she opposed who favoring tourism expansion.

I also like a lot of animals more than I like some people.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dian_Fossey
http://gorillafund.org/page.aspx?pid=377

[sasha031]

1. what a remarkable beautiful woman

Why is it that it's the wonderful people in this world die so young, I have often thought it was the poacher who murdered her.
Cried my heart out over "Gorillas in the Mist", think Sigourney Weaver did a magnificent job telling her story.

I adore animals too Dian Fossey, it kills me that there is such cruelty in this world.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

2. I'm sorry there is that kind of cruelty.

I was very upset by the movie and the story still bothers me. I discount the idea that any poachers were involved due to all the valuables that were left behind.

Her work and discoveries were no less than amazing.

[sasha031]

3. I had problems posting the movie, it still brings tears

If there is a heaven, Diane and her gorillas are of the 1st I would want to meet.
I understand your sentiment Dian when it comes to the animal world, love them way more than the human race allot of the time.
Think allot of animal lovers are like this,

[Hun Joro]

4. One of my great heroes. She was such a tragic loss for the earth. nt

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

5. Definitely a hero. :) n/t

[jerseyjack]

6. Her work was extraordinary.

I can't help thinking about the 11 elephants killed this week for ivory.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. There's not much you can say...

...when respect is so random and hard to find.

People are sometimes awful and sometimes amazing. I betting that tomorrow I'll encounter more amazing ones than awful ones.

[MannyGoldstein]

8. I met Dian once

She was one-of-a-kind.

http://upload.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1138&pid=2134

I wish more people were tough like that.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

9. Now and then...

...you meet someone who has such a presence that you feel almost like that person is really two people and they're both listening to you.

I'm glad you had the chance to both meet her and listen to a lecture.

[Bonobo]

10. A remarkable hero. K&R.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

11. Heroes are always in short supply.

[ismnotwasm]

12. An incredible woman

(And don't worry; I like animals over certain people as well)

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

13. Do I look worried???