Dian Fossey was an American conservationist and primatologist known for her work studying endangered mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda, where she worked from 1966 until her murder in 1985. Dian’s book, Gorillas in the Mist, which was published two years before her death, chronicles her scientific work. It was later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Sigourney Weaver, which turned Dian Fossey into a household name. 

To this day, Dian’s legacy continues, carried out by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and its remarkable CEO Dr. Tara Stoinski. The Fund itself raises money for conservation, brings awareness, and provides protection to gorillas and our planet’s ecosystem while empowering communities to do the same.

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund—its new, multi-acre, eco-friendly facility—is located adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, situated along the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a hub for scientific research and ecological preservation, where students and researchers are given the tools to better understand individual gorillas, who share 98 percent of our DNA. The campus has an exhibit available for public viewing, which is a must-do when in Volcanoes, and private, behind-the-scenes tours can also be arranged.

Tara’s held a fascination for animals from a young age, and for over two decades has been at the forefront of gorilla conservation. Initially as a scientist and, for nearly a decade, as the CEO of the Dian Fossey Fund. In this episode, she discusses the challenges of gorilla conservation, how special it is to experience seeing the primates firsthand, and the evolution of the fund. 

Plus, Melissa is joined by Indagare Productions Director, Kathryn Nathanson to share what you need to know before your gorilla trek. Listen for valuable planning tips, what to expect through the trek, and what to wear. 

For more information about The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, visit gorillafund.org where you can make a donation, adopt a gorilla, take the gorilla personality test, and view details about the organization’s mission and what to expect on a site visit to its newest facility, The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. For the latest updates and fascinating gorilla facts, be sure to follow The Dian Fossey Fund on Instagram @savinggorillas.

For more details on planning a gorilla trek and for the latest news and travel tips, visit Indagare.com where you can also sign up for our newsletter and learn more about our membership. And, if you’re an Indagare member, reach out to your trip designer to start planning your journey to Rwanda.