Chapters 1 through 3 Summary and Analysis

Dian Fossey wants desperately to take a trip to Africa, specifically to study gorillas but also to meet Louis and Mary Leakey, noted scientists who are interested in Fossey's determination to study gorillas. To achieve this goal, she takes out a loan to pay for a seven-week tour of Africa. She plans every aspect of her itinerary in order to make the most of her trip. Fossey notes that Leakey plants the idea of a long-term study of gorillas. During this initial visit to Africa, Fossey visit's the Leakeys in Olduvai. Fossey is invited by the Leakeys to look over an excavation site where they have discovered a giraffe fossil. She runs into the dig and falls, breaking her ankle and unceremoniously vomiting on the excavation site. The Leakeys advise that she give up her plans to go on...