Dian Fossey

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As said by Dian Fossey,"When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what has passed and concentrate more on the preservation of the future" (Gorillas in the Mist). Through events of both tragedy and happiness, Dian Fossey, a primatologist and zoologist, overcame her obstacles and acted on what she thought was best for the future. She aspired to be a veterinarian and excelled from her love of animals, but she could only avoid so many obstacles. She then became an occupational therapist and enjoyed her work. As a child, she wished to visit Africa, and with perseverance and desire, her dream was fulfilled. She first visited Zaire to see and study with Dr. Louis Leakey, a paleoanthropologist. At the time, a political military uprising took place and Fossey was taken into soldiers' custody. She was able to skillfully escape by lying to her guards. After escaping, she created the Karisoke Research Center. She studied the actions of wild mountain gorillas and worked to gain their trust. During this time, the amount of poaching arose and she worked with National Geographic and wrote a book, Gorillas in the Mist, to broadcast the issue at hand. Her work graciously aided in the preservation of the species. She loved what she did and saved both the species and their environment. According to the dictionary definition of hero, a hero is "a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character." A hero is praised for their attributes.  Dian Fossey is an admirable example of a hero for her courageous acts, which inspire many today. Dian Fossey was not only an animal lover, but she was also a hero because of her brave actions and strong will to save gorillas.

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Dian Fossey was a hero because she showcased her fearlessness through her actions. Fossey's original purpose in staying in Africa was simply to study gorillas, but after a tragic death of Digit, one of her favorite gorillas, her purpose changed and she raised awareness to protect gorillas through the Digit Fund:  "Fossey also began an active campaign to stop the killing of the gorillas.  She opposed efforts by Rwandan officials to increase the number of visitors to the animals' native environment. She formed a small force to help guard mountain gorillas against humans. She destroyed traps used to catch the animals.  She threatened the hunters and the people who helped them" (Grow). Fossey not only researched toward her cause  , but she also took a more forceful approach, coming firsthand with the offenders to avenge the deaths of many gorillas. Many considered her actions strenuous, alluding to the fact that Fossey was brave and solely devoted to her purpose. In many other situations, she came close with danger, but still managed to stay calm: "At one point she was charged by five male gorillas, and had to kneel motionless on the ground for thirty minutes before the gorillas would leave" ("Dian Fossey"). Fossey pushed herself to the extent in her studies, coming face to face with immediate danger. Although she still appeared to be at risk, she knew what her goals were, and pushed through them with composure. Fossey endured many events of fear and grief from acts of fortitude, proving she was a hero.

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Dian Fossey not only displayed daring acts, but she also grasped onto her dedication and stamina. Fossey did not always receive praise and appreciation for her work. She faced negative judgement from others and her own health problems: "Some people condemned her treatment of the hunters.  Rwandan officials opposed her efforts to control an area that she did not own.  And, some animal experts criticized her strong emotional links with the gorillas.  They also questioned her work as a scientist. Dian Fossey suffered from a number of health problems" (Grow). Fossey treated the hunters with threat and force, avenging the death of many gorillas. Fossey held onto her purpose, and persevered through both doubt and disapproval. She also not only worked through criticism and opposition, but she also drove herself through both sickness and health. Many others would believe her actions were arduous, thus exhibiting her dedication towards her work and cause. Fossey was not perfect because she demonstrated acts of error, but she still managed to reach her goals: " It took a long time for Fossey to even be able to approach the gorillas. They are by nature very shy and defensive. Initially she had to pretend to eat foliage to gain their trust. She also made some errors" ("Dian Fossey"). Fossey came into her studies aware of her goals, she was patient and tenacious in her actions. Even through mistakes and hard work, Fossey managed to gain the gorillas' trust. In her lifetime, Fossey overcame obstacles with her persistence and commitment.

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Works Cited

"Dian Fossey." Contemporary Heroes and Heroines, vol. 1, Gale, 1990. Biography in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1607000095/BIC1?u=powa9245&xid=1abdf520. Accessed 28 Apr. 2017.

Fossey, Dian. Gorillas in the Mist. Boston, MA, Houghton Mifflin, 1983.

Grow, George. "Dian Fossey, 1932-1985: She Worked to Protect the Mountain Gorillas of Central Africa." Biography - Dian Fossey, 1932-1985: She Worked to Protect the Mountain Gorillas of Central Africa (VOA Special English 2007-11-17), VOA, 16 Nov. 2007, www.manythings.org/voa/people/Dian_Fossey.html. Accessed 28 Apr. 2017.