Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund | Dian Fossey: A Conservation Pioneer

In order to research and preserve mountain gorillas, Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center in the Virunga mountains of Rwanda in 1967. Her work has been carried on by the Karisoke Research Center, which has also created other conservation initiatives for nearby populations and other species of animals.

Gorilla Conservation

Trackers from the Fossey Fund are given gorilla packs and conduct daily tracking operations throughout the National Parks. They are in charge of keeping track of the gorillas’ overall health and wellbeing, as well as their behavior and any alterations to the group’s demographics, such as deaths, births, immigration, or emigration.

Educational Opportunities for Staff

The organization trains young African scientists in the capacities required for assuming leadership positions in the field of conservation to secure the durability of their research. In addition to having access to graduate internship options for additional training, students receive close supervision throughout their academic careers.

Conservation Programs in Local Schools

The charity distributes supplies and educational tools to more than 5,600 elementary school students annually. The top students are taken on nature hikes and to see the golden monkeys as an incentive, and conservation classes are offered in nearby parks.

Donations

In 2018, Ellen DeGeneres’ wife donated a huge sum of money to help build a permanent home for The Fossey Fund. Such generosity stemmed from sharing the same passion.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping animals,” DeGeneres said. “Nobody knows this more than my wife, and she knew the exact right gift to give me. These gorillas are so incredible and so closely linked to us, sharing 98 percent of our DNA. There are only 880 of these majestic creatures left on this planet. I’m beyond excited to get to work with the Fossey Fund to support their work and help protect these amazing animals.” – Ellen