Fossey is a determined woman and proves her dedication to a study of gorillas in Africa by taking out a personal loan to fund her first trip to Africa. There, she meets Dr. Leakey, and it's this meeting that prompts her belief that she could participate in a long-term study of gorillas. Fossey is dedicated to the project from the start and hates every setback. She pushes forward when there are people telling her that specific actions are too dangerous to undertake, but is also completely willing to take the advice of those who have lived in jungle camps. She gives credit to several people who have worked in the field and shared their information to help Fossey get started.