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Dian Fossey was born -
Dian Fossey graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in occupational therapy. -
Fulfilling her dream to visit Africa, Dian Fossey arrives in Kenya for the first time. -
After attending one of his conferences, Dian Fossey approaches Louis Leakey and convinces him to allow her to use her background in occupational therapy to study and work with gorillas in Africa. -
Dian Fossey arrives to begin her work studying the mountain gorillas in the Congo region.
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After being forcibly moved from her camp in the Congo, Dian Fossey moves to Rwanda, and establishes the Karisoke Research Center, which still exists and thrives today. -
Renowned National Geographic photographer Bob Campbell publishes photos of Dian Fossey on the cover of the magazine, introducing her to the world and bringing international attention to her work and the true gentle nature of the gorillas. -
Feeling that her work would not be taken as seriously without an accompanying degree, Dian Fossey travels between Africa and Cambridge to attain her Ph.D. in animal behavior.
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Digit, a gorilla that Dian Fossey befriended and spent much time with was killed by poachers. He was laid to rest behind Dian Fossey's cabin. -
Dian Fossey's book, Gorillas in the Mist, is published. It was later made into a movie featuring Sigourney Weaver. -
Murdered in her cabin, Dian Fossey dies nearing her 54th birthday. She is laid to rest next to Digit, near the Karisoke Research Center. Her work continues to this day. As a result of her work, the silverback gorillas have recovered from "near extinction" status.