who was the gorilla lady

The "Gorilla Lady" refers to Dian Fossey, an American primatologist and conservationist renowned for her extensive study and protection of mountain gorillas. She spent around 20 years in Rwanda studying gorilla groups in their natural habitat, famously founding the Karisoke Research Center in the Virunga Mountains. Her work significantly helped reverse the declining population of mountain gorillas and brought global attention to their conservation. Fossey was known for her passionate anti-poaching stance and unconventional conservation methods. She authored the book "Gorillas in the Mist," which was later adapted into a film. Sadly, she was murdered in 1985 at her research camp in Rwanda, a case that remains unsolved. Her legacy continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which maintains research and conservation efforts for gorillas.