She changed the way we think about gorillas More than anyone, he understands the important legacy she left behind. Ian Redmond, a conservationist and one of the world’s leading primatologists, worked with Dian right up until her brutal, unexplained death in 1985, and knew her both as a friend and a colleague.

It which gave her story global prominence. Next year marks 30 years since Gorillas in the Mist - a film based on Dian’s own book - was released in cinemas. And although she was initially opposed to gorilla tourism, her work paved the way for one of the most successful community and conservation projects operating today. Known by Rwandans as Nyiramachabelli ('the woman who lives alone on the mountain'), the passionate American researcher dedicated her life to studying and protecting gorillas. Only 880 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, but if it weren’t for the work of primatologist Dian Fossey, that number may be much lower. It’s hard to imagine that 50 years ago, poachers were killing these primates out of anger, desperation and to fuel a market of grotesque curios such as ash trays made from severed gorilla hands.

But anyone lucky enough to lock eyes with mountain gorillas - even for a few seconds - will appreciate the powerful connection we share with these highly intelligent and emotional creatures that share 98% of our DNA. Stare for too long at a silverback and you could be asking for trouble misjudge their mood and your awestruck gaze might be mistaken for a challenge.

Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey