This book is the result of thirteen years of observation of a family of gorillas in the rainforests of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire. American researcher Dian Fossey describes in detail and clearly, often with humor, the behavior of these amazing endangered animals. The author talks not about gorillas in general, but about each animal individually: about its appearance, character, habits, often tracing its life path from birth to death. Diane dispels the myth of gorillas as vicious and aggressive creatures, giving examples of their tenderness, good nature, and sometimes shyness. The book is based on unique material, since no such research had been conducted before D. Fossey. The writer herself tragically died at the hands of a killer poacher.