Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist

Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist is an engrossing and insightful 2017 docuseries from National Geographic that delves deep into the life, work, and tragic death of famed primatologist, Dian Fossey. Fossey’s pathbreaking efforts in gorilla conservation, transformative scientific discoveries, and her undying passion for these great apes have left an indelible mark on the worlds of primatology and animal behavior.

Across three emotionally charged and thought-provoking episodes, this captivating series constructs a multi-faceted portrait of Dian Fossey. Born in San Francisco in 1932, a passion for animals took her across the globe to the Virunga Mountains straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her groundbreaking research and conservation efforts, her interactions with her beloved mountain gorillas, her bitter struggles with poachers and corrupt officials, and the chilling mystery of her murder are recounted in vivacious detail, combining archival footage, dramatic reenactments, exclusive interviews, and personal anecdotes.

Galvanized by a meeting with legendary anthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey, Fossey embarked on her lifelong mission to study and protect mountain gorillas, relocating to a remote rainforest in Rwanda in the late 1960s. Over the next two decades, she would forge unique and lasting relationships with the gorillas she studied, culminating in groundbreaking revelations about their behavior, social structure, and intelligence that challenged the then-existing understanding of these fascinating primates.

The docuseries dives into Fossey’s meticulous record-keeping and her often surprising findings. Through her compassionate and unwavering dedication, Fossey showed the world that these great apes had unique personalities and complex social relationships, not unlike the humans studying them. She herself grew especially close to a young gorilla she named Digit, and her heartfelt relationship with him is beautifully illustrated throughout the series.

But the terrain she chose to work on was fraught with peril, and Fossey’s battles were not just with the elements. The series gives a truthful account of the challenges she faced within the African wildlife conservation landscape. Not shying away from the dark side, the show confronts Fossey’s relentless fight against the illegal poaching that threatened to wipe out the entire species. Her tireless advocacy and direct confrontation tactics against this destructive practice earned her many enemies, and the series does not shy away from exploring these aspects, encouraging the audience to understand the complexities of Fossey’s story.

Despite the intense personal sacrifices and persistent threats, Fossey would not be silenced. This brave spirit, however, would ultimately lead to her untimely death under mysterious circumstances. While hinting at the turbulent, final chapter of her life, the series principally celebrates Dian Fossey’s legacy, bringing to light the unparalleled bond she formed with these majestic creatures against the odds and underscoring her significant scientific contributions.

The voice of Sigourney Weaver, who famously portrayed Fossey in the film Gorillas in the Mist, adds a poignant touch to the series. The commanding narration, intertwined with breathtaking cinematography capturing the raw beauty of the gorilla habitat, immerses viewers into Fossey’s world of verdant greens, misty peaks, and enigmatic wildlife.

Through interviews with the people who knew her best, from her colleagues and friends to the park rangers who continue her work today, Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist touches not only upon Fossey's triumphs and heartaches but also her legacy. It acknowledges her enduring influence on gorilla conservation efforts, her contributions to our understanding of these extraordinary mammals, and the establishment of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which continues to uphold her mission.

Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist is more than just a tribute to a remarkable woman and her exceptional drive to save an endangered species from extinction. It's an eye-opening journey that shines a light on the fragility of nature and the lengths to which one brave conservationist was willing to go to protect it. The series leaves viewers with a heightened respect for the potent beauty of the natural world, the importance of sustained conservation efforts, and the undeniable impact of one woman's relentless fight for the survival of gorillas. Any viewers with an interest in wildlife, conservation, or biographical documentaries will undoubtedly be gripped by this moving exploration of Dian Fossey’s work and world.