I worry that the author of this article seems to leave out key facts about Dian Fossey and her "research". These facts are unpleasant. Without those facts, the

I worry that the author of this article seems to leave out key facts about Dian Fossey and her "research". These facts are unpleasant. Without those facts, the general public, like myself ( before learning of these details), may significantly misunderstand why why the system (conservation/politics/charity) has continuously failed gorillas and the people living in the same habitat. Firstly, there's the matter of Dian's falsified qualifications. "Fossey had failed to gain a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of California at Davis and transferred to San Jose College where she gained a BA degree in physical therapy in 1954. " http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Dian_Fossey.aspx http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Dian_Fossey.aspx She was selected and provided funding despite having obscured and falsified her qualifications. However, this was not unknown to her employer, Louis Leakey. Why he chose her is rather scandalous. "This lack of scientific training did not concern Leakey, who believed women uniquely possessed the patience required for long-term field studies" Why he believed this is perhaps better explained by his actions. "Louis had extramarital affairs and fell ardently in love with his young proteges, chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall and gorilla-watcher Dian Fossey." http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-684-80192-6 http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-684-80192-6 Then there's the matter of Dian's horrific racism and actions. "Fossey defended her policy of encouraging the apes to fear black Africans because nearly all poachers were black." http://articles.latimes.com/1985-12-29/news/mn-25922_1_karisoke-research-center http://articles.latimes.com/1985-12-29/news/mn-25922_1_karis... "she habitually referred to Rwandans as "wogs," never in all her time recruited a single black African as a researcher and even burned the crops of neighboring peasants whom she suspected let their cattle graze in the reserve" http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1015200880517583680 http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1015200880517583680 The sad thing is that this is not unique. For example, WWF's leadership has few if any representation from humans who cohabit the regions where species they seek to protect live. Instead, they send what seems to be mostly their college/family/country club friends to lead these actions. Is it any wonder why these conservation efforts fail so spectacularly when there's no emphasis on engagement with the local populace.