Google has come up with a doodle to celebrate the 82nd Birthday of American Zoologist Dian Fossey, who undertook an extensive study of gorilla groups over a period of 18 years.
The doodle features a group of gorillas, with one touching Dian Fossey’s hair while she makes notes.
Google Doodle for Dian Fossey’s 82nd Birthday
Fossey was born on January 16, 1932 and died December 26, 1985 under mysterious circumstances. In between she extensively studied gorillas living in the mountain forests Africa.
She was born in California to George E. Fossey and Kathryn “Kitty” (Kidd) Fossey. Her parents divorced when she was 6. Living with her step-father made her life hell and subsequently she got attached to animals.
She later had a degree in Veterinary Science under adverse conditions and joined as a Therapist at a Child Hospital. During her free time she would pursue her love of horses.
In 1966, she quit her job to perform research with the Mountain Gorillas in Africa. For the next 18 years she dedicated her life studying Gorillas and remained one of the foremost primatologists in the world. She did her research works in Congo and Rwanda where she was known by locals as Nyirmachabelli, meaning “The woman who lives alone on the mountain”.
she was actively involved in campaign against poaching and was one Of the opponents of Wildlife Tourism. She even helped in the arrest of several poachers. She raised Digit Fund to raise money for anti-poaching patrols. Digit was her favorite Guerrilla, who was killed by Poachers.
Her Death at the age of 53 under mysterious conditions remains a mystery and the case is still open.
She remained unmarried throughout life, though she was engaged once. Her book ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, remains the best-selling book about gorillas. It has also been adapted in a movie with the same name.