An interesting and sentimental (albeit often sad) account of Dian Fossey's study of mountain gorillas
Disadvantages:
The book doesn't follow a time line and tends to jump about somewhat .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
In 1967, when she was 35 years old, American born Dian Fossey travelled to Rwanda to begin her study of mountain gorilla’s in the Virunga mountains. The Virungas which lie on the borders of what was Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Rwanda and Uganda are isolated and not easily accessible. Despite this Fossey stayed for 13 of the next 15 years only returning to the USA or UK on occasion. Fossey was funded by Louis Leaky, the same individual who funded Jane Goodalls similar work with chimpanzees and her initial time in Africa led to her award of a PhD from Cambridge University. Fossey’s book ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, which was published in 1983, is an account of her experiences during the 15 years she spent trekking miles across rugged terrain to observe and attempt to protect these amazing creatures.
Gorilla’s in the Mist begins with a general introduction to mountain gorillas and to Fossey’s background and overall aims. There are currently around 380 mountain gorillas in the Virungas, one of only two populations of mountain gorilla’s in Africa. This number has increased from around the 240 that existed during Fossey’s work and is sure to be a direct consequence of her lengthy campaign for the protection of these amazing creatures. Sadly though, the two species of gorilla: mountain and lowland, are both listed as endangered species and are in risk of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss through deforestation. Gorillas are highly social animals that live in groups headed by one dominant male or silverback. They live on a diet composed primarily of shoots and leaves and are known to be generally gentle animals although they can be dangerous if threatened.
Fossey goes on to detail in depth many of the interactions she experienced with the gorillas over the years. All the gorillas in her study area were named and it is easy to follow familial relationships and group discord. The book is easy to read and isn’t particularly scientific. It is a very touching and sentimental book, which devotes a lot of time to discussion about the gorilla’s inter-group relationships and their different personalities come across strongly. Fossey is clearly passionate about these amazing animals and after reading the book I doubt that anyone could fail to be touched by her words and feel for the plight of the mountain gorilla. At times the book is incredibly sad and at one point I was reduced to tears. Fossey rescued two orphan baby gorillas, Pucker and Coco, who were poached to be shipped to a zoo in Cologne. The babies had been kept for weeks in appalling conditions and during their capture from two different groups, the poachers killed 18 adult gorillas’, who will not willingly allow the removal of one of their group. After months of recuperation Fossey was forced to send the babies to the zoo anyway as Government officials threatened to capture other infants which would involve the slaughter of many other gorillas, an incident which clearly broke her heart.
There are a number of pictures in the centre of the book which show Fossey in her interactions with the gorillas. I found these interesting and thought it was nice to be able to see some of the characters she discusses in depth. Fossey has also included graphic picture of Digit, who was known for his exceptional trust in humans. Sadly, this probably led to his demise. Digit was caught by poachers who removed his head, hands and feet to sell illegally as souvenirs.
The only negative thing I can think of is that the book doesn’t always follow a logical time frame. At points Fossey will talk at length about something and then jump back to something that happened previously. This is perhaps a little strange but is only a very minor point and it doesn’t deter from the overall wonder of the book.
Large parts of the book deal with the efforts of Fossey and her team to deter poachers and deactivate traps. Over the years many of the gorillas she studied succumbed to the fate of infected trap wounds, usually set for other animals or direct poaching and Fossey was a key figure in the arrest of many of those involved. It is sadly likely that her actions eventually led to her demise. Fossey was murdered in her research station in the Virungas on December 27th in 1985. The murderer used a traditional poaching weapon which she has confiscated previously and which was on her wall as a decoration. The case remains unsolved although her continued protests against poachers remains the most likely cause. Thankfully however, following her death, Fossey's Digit Fund was renamed the "Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International" the good work of which continues today.
Gorilla’s in the Mist was adapted for film in 1988, directed by Michael Apted, and has subsequently become more famous than the book. In it Fossey was played by Sigourney Weaver who was nominated for best actress following her role. I haven’t personally seen it but I have read some reviews which point out that some of the more eccentric events that occur are not actually true. For example, there are scenes in which Fossey is depicted acting out the hanging of one of the primary poachers. This certainly isn’t something that is discussed in the book and I sincerely doubt such events ever occurred.
In conclusion, this is a wonderful book that should be read by anyone interested in primates or general conservation. It is suitable for everyone and hooked me in right from the start. I have no hesitation in recommending Gorillas in the Mist and I hope that this review will help to raise awareness of the continuous plight of these amazing creatures. If you are interested in supporting the mountain gorilla’s of Virunga or just want to know more then please see http://www.gorillafund.org/
