fbpx

Home » 14 Finest Dian Fossey Quotes For Nature Lovers

14 Finest Dian Fossey Quotes For Nature Lovers

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and conservationist known for undertaking an extensive study of mountain gorilla groups from 1966 until her murder in 1985.

She is also remembered for her favorite quotes, which offer insight into her thoughts on life, work, and the world around her. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of Dian’s most famous quotes and explore what they mean to us.

About Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey was born on January 16, 1932, in San Francisco, California.

She developed a love for animals at an early age and went on to study zoology at the University of California, Davis. After graduation, she worked as an occupational therapist for children with disabilities.

In 1963, Fossey met famed anthropologist Louis Leakey, who encouraged her to study the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

She began her fieldwork in 1966 and continued her research until her death in 1985.

During that time, she made many important discoveries about the mountain gorillas and their behavior.

She also became an outspoken advocate for their conservation.

Here Are The Famous Dian Fossey Quotes

Unfortunately, Dian Fossey was murdered in her cabin in Rwanda on December 26, 1985. The culprit has never been found. 

Fossey’s work continues to inspire people around the world to care for and protect our planet’s wildlife.

Let’s read some of her great words of wisdom:

1. “The man who kills the animals today is the man who kills the people who get in his way tomorrow”― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

Anyone who has ever been to a zoo can attest to the fact that animals are fascinating creatures. They come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique behaviors and adaptations. Sadly, many animals are now facing extinction due to the actions of humans.

Hunting, habitat loss, and pollution have all taken a toll on wildlife populations around the world. As Dian Fossey so eloquently put it, “the man who kills the animals today is the man who kills the people who get in his way tomorrow.”

By driving species to extinction, we are not only doing irreparable damage to the natural world, but also to ourselves. After all, we are part of the same ecosystem, and the loss of one species can have ripple effects throughout the entire web of life.

If we want to preserve our planet and our own future, we need to start working together to protect the animals that call it home.

2. “The greatest danger to mountain gorillas is man.”― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

3. “When you realize the value of all life you dwell less on past and concentrate more on the conservation of the future.”― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

It is hard to overstate the importance of conservation. To paraphrase Dian Fossey, when we realize the value of all life, we naturally become more protective of the future.

This is because we understand that every creature on this earth has a role to play in the delicate balance of nature. When one species is lost, it can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we can see.

For example, the loss of one type of insect might not seem like a big deal. But if that insect happens to play a role in pollinating a certain type of plant, the loss of that insect could eventually lead to the extinction of the plant.

And once the plant is gone, the animals that rely on it for food will also disappear. As we can see, then, the stakes are high when it comes to conservation. Every creature on earth is important, and we must do our part to protect them all.

4. “The greatest danger to mountain gorillas is not from poachers or habitat loss, but from the ignorance of people who do not understand them.” ― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

5. “There is no greater reward than to know that one’s efforts have helped preserve the fragile balance of nature.” ― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

One of the most rewarding experiences a person can have is knowing that their efforts have helped to preserve the delicate balance of nature. This was certainly the case for Dian Fossey, a world-renowned conservationist who dedicated her life to protecting gorillas in Africa.

By studying gorillas and raising awareness of their plight, Fossey made a significant contribution to the conservation of these magnificent animals. Her work also helped to highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem health.

Today, Fossey’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world to take action on behalf of endangered species and fragile ecosystems. Thanks to her tireless efforts, future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature for years to come.

6. “There are times when one cannot accept facts for fear of shattering one’s being. As I listened to Ian’s news, all of Digit’s life, since my first meeting with him as a playful little ball of black fluff ten years earlier, passed through my mind. From that moment on, I came to live within an insulated part of myself.”― Dian Fossey

7. “I have no friends. The more you learn about the dignity of the gorilla, the more you want to avoid people.”― Dian Fossey

When it comes to learning about the majestic gorilla, Dian Fossey is one of the most well-known names. Through her years of dedication and hard work, she was able to bring global attention to the plight of these animals and their dwindling numbers in the wild.

Although her focus was on gorillas, her words can also be applied to other species as well. The more we learn about the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it, the more we realize just how vital it is to protect them.

In a world where so much focus is placed on humans and our own problems, it can be easy to forget that we share this planet with other living beings.

However, when we take the time to learn about and appreciate the beauty of nature, it becomes much harder to ignore the plight of those who are struggling to survive.

Learning about gorillas and other endangered animals can be a first step in creating a more compassionate world for all.

8. “It was their individuality combined with the shyness of their behavior that remained the most captivating impression of this first encounter with the greatest of the great apes.”― Dian Fossey

9. “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature, the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

10. “One of the basic steps in saving a threatened species is to learn more about it: its diet, its mating, and reproductive processes, its range patterns, its social behavior.”― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

Dian believed that one of the key ways to save a species from extinction was to learn as much about it as possible. This meant studying their diet and habitat, understanding their mating and reproductive patterns, and observing their social behavior.

By gaining this knowledge, we would be better equipped to protect gorillas from the threats they face. Over the course of her career, Fossey made groundbreaking discoveries about gorilla behavior that have helped to inform conservation efforts. Thanks to her work, we are now one step closer to saving these amazing animals from extinction.

11. “I have come to love not only these gorillas, but all living things, and to feel a strong kinship with them.” ― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

12. “I feel more comfortable with gorillas than people. I can anticipate what a gorilla’s going to do, and they’re purely motivated.” ― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

As someone who has dedicated her life to studying gorillas, Dian Fossey understands them in a way that few others can. She knows their individual personalities, their likes, and dislikes, and she can read their body language with ease.

In many ways, she feels closer to these gentle giants than she does to her own species. Perhaps it is because gorillas are purely motivated – they do not act out of maliciousness or deceit.

As Fossey once said, “Gorillas are basically good. I mean, they’re better than people.” Or maybe it is because gorillas live in close-knit families, much like our own. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that Fossey has forged a deep and unique bond with the gorillas she so loves.

13. “There was no way that I could explain to dogs, friends, or parents my compelling need to return to Africa to launch a long-term study of the gorillas. Some may call it destiny and others may call it dismaying. I call the sudden turn of events in my life fortuitous.”― Dian Fossey

14. “I cannot imagine a more rewarding career. ― Dian Fossey

dian fossey quotes

Few people have the opportunity to pursue their passion and make a difference in the world. Diana Fossey was one of those rare people. From a young age, she was fascinated by wild animals, and she devoted her life to understanding and protecting them.

In 1967, she embarked on a long-term study of gorillas in the Rwandan jungle. For eighteen years, she lived among these majestic creatures, gaining their trust and learning their ways.

Fossey’s work revolutionized our understanding of gorilla behavior and helped to change the way we think about conservation. It is hard to imagine a more rewarding career than one that allows you to make such a profound difference in the world.

Thanks to Fossey’s groundbreaking work, we are able to see these magnificent animals in a whole new light.

Let’s Wind Up…

Dian Fossey was an incredible woman who made huge strides in primatology and conservation. She is best known for her work with gorillas, but she did so much more than that.

Her quotes are inspiring and insightful, and they can teach us a lot about ourselves and the world around us. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading these 14 finest Dian Fossey quotes as much as we have!

What do you think of the quotes? Do they inspire you? Let us know in the comments below.

And be sure to check out our other articles on interesting people and their quotes on our website. Thanks for reading!