Dian Fossey

My study of the wild gorilla is not yet finished, and even when it is complete, it will contribute only a small part toward man's understanding of his closest animal relatives, the great apes. But one conclusion is already clear: The gorilla is one of the most maligned animals in the world. ”

When you realize the value of all life, you dwell on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future. ”

When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future. ”

For captive gorillas, trees should be available to climb and material such as straw, branches, or bamboo supplied for nest building. ”

Any observer is an intruder in the domain of a wild animal and must remember that the rights of that animal supersede human interests. An observer must also keep in mind that an animal's memories of one day's contact might well be reflected in the following day's behavior. ”

The Parc des Volcans in Rwanda, where I conduct most of my studies, is heavily infested with poachers and herdsmen, whose cattle graze right through my camp area. Park boundaries have no meaning to these tribesmen. ”

I feel more comfortable with gorillas than people. I can anticipate what a gorilla's going to do, and they're purely motivated. ”

I cannot concur with those who advocate saving gorillas from extinction by killing and capturing more free-living individuals only to exhibit them in confinement. ”

Play seems to be one of the first activities inhibited by the presence of an observer until a group becomes well habituated. For this reason, I consider it more common than previously thought. ”

Not only was it necessary to get the gorillas accustomed to the bluejeaned creature who had become a part of their daily lives, it was also very necessary for me to know and recognize the particular animals of each group as the amazing individuals they were. ”