Ann Southcombe 
The Gorilla Diaries 

To read The Gorilla Diaries is to immerse oneself in the daily antics of baby gorillas, and the woman who loved them like a mom. Unique in its perspective, the diaries grant us the privilege of being in close proximity to one of our neighbors on the evolutionary ladder. This book offers a rare glimpse into the behavior of captive gorillas raised by humans, a practice ended almost completely by the 1980s. We watch these animals grow and change under the watchful eye of Ann Southcombe. Reading these diaries is to witness this amazing woman’s love and dedication to these furry friends, and the lasting bonds formed between two species.

The Gorilla Diaries takes us back to a time when zoos were turning from menageries designed to amuse the public, to conservation and education institutions. With the first gorilla born in captivity in 1956, there wasn’t a lot of experience or easy communication to help pioneers in gorilla care like Ann Southcombe in the 1970’s. Ann gives us a glimpse into her days with seven baby gorillas, including the antics of each different personality.

Learning as she went and using her intuitive and loving nature to guide her, Ann’s love and dedication to her ‘babies’ and all animals continues to this day. There is a large population of gorilla fans around the globe who will enjoy reading about Ann’s important part of gorilla history. I know I was!