Gorillas in the Mist | The Story of Dian Fossey and Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Gorillas in the Mist is more than a book and a film, it is the true story of one woman’s extraordinary journey to protect one of the world’s most endangered animals, the mountain gorilla.
Written by Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who dedicated her life to studying gorillas in Rwanda, the story captures the beauty, challenges, and emotional depth of living among these gentle giants in the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park.

This article explores the background, message, and lasting impact of Gorillas in the Mist, while highlighting what it reveals about mountain gorillas and their fragile environment.

The Origin of “Gorillas in the Mist”

Gorillas in the Mist began as Dian Fossey’s autobiography, published in 1983. The book detailed her 18 years of research with mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fossey wrote about her daily interactions with gorilla families, her scientific discoveries, and her fierce fight to protect them from poachers.

The book was later adapted into a major motion picture in 1988, starring Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey. The film received global acclaim and brought the plight of the mountain gorillas to international attention, turning Rwanda into a symbol of wildlife conservation.

Life in the Misty Mountains

The title Gorillas in the Mist comes from the breathtaking setting of Fossey’s research, the mist-shrouded Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic peaks that stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These forests are home to the world’s last remaining populations of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), an endangered subspecies of the eastern gorilla.

At her Karisoke Research Center, founded in 1967 between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke, Fossey spent years observing gorilla families in their natural habitat. She gave them names, learned their personalities, and documented their social behavior, diet, and communication patterns.

Through her work, she discovered that gorillas are peaceful, intelligent, and deeply social — living in family groups led by a dominant silverback male, surrounded by females and young ones who share strong emotional bonds.

Understanding the Mountain Gorilla

Mountain gorillas are among the most remarkable primates on earth.
They share over 98 percent of their DNA with humans and display behaviors that mirror our own, from nurturing their young to showing affection, grief, and cooperation.

Physical Features

• Thick black fur helps them survive the cold temperatures of high-altitude rainforests.
• Adult males, known as silverbacks, develop a silver-gray patch of hair on their back as they mature.
• They can weigh up to 200 kilograms and stand over 1.8 meters tall when upright.

Social Structure

• Gorillas live in close-knit family groups ranging from 5 to 30 individuals.
• The silverback leads, protects, and mediates disputes.
• Communication occurs through gestures, facial expressions, and more than 20 different vocal sounds.

Diet and Habitat

• They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and bamboo stems.
• Mountain gorillas inhabit the bamboo and montane forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, mostly within Volcanoes, Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Virunga National Parks.

Dian Fossey’s Connection with the Gorillas

One of the most powerful aspects of Gorillas in the Mist is Fossey’s emotional connection with the gorillas she studied.
She developed strong bonds with several gorillas, including Digit, a young male whose tragic death at the hands of poachers in 1977 deeply affected her.

Digit’s death became a turning point in Fossey’s life, inspiring her to intensify her anti-poaching campaigns and to create the Digit Fund, which later evolved into the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

Her observations changed global perceptions of gorillas. Through her words and photos, she revealed their gentleness and humanity, dismantling the myth of gorillas as aggressive beasts.

The Film Adaptation

The 1988 film Gorillas in the Mist brought Dian Fossey’s story and the plight of the gorillas to a worldwide audience. Directed by Michael Apted, the film was partly shot in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, giving viewers an authentic glimpse of the misty forests where Fossey lived and worked.

Sigourney Weaver’s portrayal of Dian Fossey earned her an Academy Award nomination and helped raise public awareness about conservation issues.
The movie not only honored Fossey’s memory but also inspired global efforts to protect mountain gorillas, leading to a surge of support for Rwanda’s conservation programs and responsible tourism.

Gorilla Conservation After “Gorillas in the Mist”

The release of Gorillas in the Mist marked a turning point in wildlife conservation.
Following Fossey’s death, international attention and funding increased, allowing the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to expand their conservation programs.

Key Achievements Since Then:

• The population of mountain gorillas has grown from about 250 in the 1980s to over 1,000 today across Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC.
• Anti-poaching patrols and community-based tourism have drastically reduced illegal hunting.
• Local communities now benefit economically from gorilla trekking tourism, creating strong incentives for conservation.

Today, visitors can experience the magic of meeting mountain gorillas face-to-face in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park — a life-changing adventure that continues to honor Dian Fossey’s legacy.

Themes and Messages in “Gorillas in the Mist”

The story carries several deep themes that remain relevant today:

1. Human Connection with Nature – Fossey’s compassion for gorillas shows that empathy can bridge the gap between species.
2. Courage and Dedication – Her persistence in the face of isolation, danger, and opposition highlights the power of individual conviction.
3. Conservation and Responsibility – The book and film remind us that protecting wildlife is not just about saving animals but preserving the balance of nature.
4. The Role of Women in Science – Fossey’s achievements broke barriers in a male-dominated field, inspiring future generations of female scientists.

Legacy of “Gorillas in the Mist”

Decades after its release, Gorillas in the Mist continues to influence conservationists, travelers, and animal lovers around the world.
It remains one of the most compelling narratives about the bond between humans and wildlife and serves as a timeless call to protect Earth’s natural wonders.

In Rwanda, the spirit of Gorillas in the Mist lives on through:

• The Karisoke Research Center, still active under the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
• The Ellen DeGeneres Campus, which educates visitors and supports scientific research.
• The annual Kwita Izina ceremony, where newborn gorillas are given names — a celebration of conservation success.

Gorillas in the Mist is not just the story of Dian Fossey, it is the story of the mountain gorillas themselves and the people who have devoted their lives to saving them.
From the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to the pages of history, Fossey’s work reminds us that the fate of these majestic creatures is deeply tied to human action.

Every trekker who visits Rwanda’s gorillas, every researcher who studies them, and every supporter of conservation continues to write the next chapter of this remarkable story.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gorillas in the Mist

1. What is “Gorillas in the Mist” about?

Gorillas in the Mist is a book and film based on the life of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It tells the story of her groundbreaking research at the Karisoke Research Center and her efforts to stop poaching in Volcanoes National Park.

2. Where was “Gorillas in the Mist” filmed?

Much of the movie Gorillas in the Mist was filmed on location in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, where Dian Fossey lived and conducted her research. Some scenes were also filmed in Kenya and Uganda to capture the natural beauty of East Africa’s mountain forests.

3. Are the gorillas in the movie real?

Yes, many of the gorillas featured in the movie are real mountain gorillas living in Rwanda. Filmmakers worked closely with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and conservation experts to ensure the animals were observed safely and respectfully in their natural environment.

4. Who played Dian Fossey in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”?

The role of Dian Fossey was played by actress Sigourney Weaver. Her performance earned international praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Weaver’s portrayal helped bring global attention to gorilla conservation and Fossey’s life work.

5. Is “Gorillas in the Mist” a true story?

Yes, the story is based on true events. It follows Dian Fossey’s real experiences studying gorillas in Rwanda, documenting their behavior, and fighting against poaching. While some scenes were dramatized for the film, the main events and characters are historically accurate.

6. What is the Karisoke Research Center?

The Karisoke Research Center was founded by Dian Fossey in 1967 between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It became the base for her long-term gorilla research and remains active today under the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

7. What message does “Gorillas in the Mist” convey?

The story promotes compassion, respect, and responsibility toward nature. It highlights the importance of wildlife conservation, the dangers of poaching, and the role humans play in protecting endangered species like the mountain gorilla.

8. How can tourists experience Dian Fossey’s legacy in Rwanda?

Visitors to Rwanda can explore Volcanoes National Park through gorilla trekking tours, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, or hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke site — all experiences that honor her legacy and support ongoing conservation work.

9. How has “Gorillas in the Mist” impacted gorilla conservation?

The book and film created worldwide awareness about the plight of mountain gorillas, inspiring global donations and partnerships that strengthened Rwanda’s conservation programs. As a result, the mountain gorilla population has grown to over 1,000 individuals, a true conservation success story.

10. What can travelers learn from Dian Fossey’s story?

Dian Fossey’s life teaches the value of perseverance, empathy, and respect for all living things. Her work reminds us that protecting wildlife is not just a scientific duty but a moral responsibility that ensures the survival of our planet’s natural treasures.