[About gorillas] You take these fine, regal animals. How many (human) fathers have the same sense of paternity? How many human mothers are more caring? The family structure is unbelievably strong.
Dian FosseyRead
Among all researchers who have worked in the African field, I consider myself one of the most fortunate because of the privilege of having been able to study the mountain gorilla.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Dian Fossey expresses gratitude for the opportunity to study mountain gorillas, highlighting the uniqueness of her experience.
In this quote, Dian Fossey reflects on her deep appreciation for the privilege of studying mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. She acknowledges the rare opportunity she has had compared to other researchers, emphasizing the personal fulfillment and honor that comes with engaging closely with such remarkable creatures and their environment.
Themes
Mountain GorillaNatureResearchPrivilegeWildlifeStudy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about conservation efforts to highlight the importance of studying rare wildlife.
More from Dian Fossey
All quotes →Active conservation [of gorillas] involves simply going out into the forest, on foot, day after day after day, attempting to capture poachers, killing-regretfully-poacher dogs, which spread rabies within the park, and cutting down traps.
Dian FosseyRead
If mountain gorillas are to survive and propagate, far more active conservation measures urgently need to be undertaken. The question remains, is it already too late?
Dian FosseyRead
When you realize the value of all life, you dwell on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.
Dian FosseyRead
My study of the wild gorilla is not yet finished, and even when it is complete, it will contribute only a small part toward man's understanding of his closest animal relatives, the great apes. But one conclusion is already clear: The gorilla is one of the most maligned animals in the world.
Dian FosseyRead
The mountain gorilla faces grave danger of extinction - primarily because of the encroachments of native man upon its habitat - and neglect by civilized man, who does not conscientiously protect even the limited areas now allotted for the gorilla's survival.
Dian FosseyRead
Similar quotes
The tropical rain forests are a telling example. Once cut down, they rarely recover. Rainfall drops, deserts spread, the climate warms.
James LovelockRead
Is there a more mysterious idea than to imagine how nature is reflected in the eyes of animals?
Franz MarcRead
In a delightful garden, sowing, planting or digging are not hardship but are done with a zeal and a certain pleasure.
Martin LutherRead
People are not going to care about animal conservation unless they think that animals are worthwhile.
David AttenboroughRead
You cannot begin to preserve any species of animal unless you preserve the habitat in which it dwells. Disturb or destroy that habitat and you will exterminate the species as surely as if you had shot it. So conservation means that we have to preserve forest and grassland, river and lake, even the sea itself. This is vital not only for the preservation of animal life generally, but for the future existence of man himself - a point that seems to escape many people.
Gerald DurrellRead
Nature does nothing in vain when less will serve; for Nature is pleased with simplicity and affects not the pomp of superfluous causes.
Isaac NewtonRead