Attenborough, Fossey, & King Kong: Ian Redmond’s Extraordinary Life With Gorillas

What does it take to earn the trust of a wild gorilla? Ian Redmond OBE has spent more than 50 years finding out. One of the world’s leading great ape conservationists, Ian began his career working with legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and went on to become a pioneering force in gorilla conservation and responsible wildlife tourism. In this episode, Ian takes us deep into the world of mountain gorillas, sharing extraordinary encounters from a lifetime in the field; from working alongside Fossey and David Attenborough to guiding celebrities and rock stars through the African rainforest. He reveals how gorilla trekking began, what it’s really like to come face-to-face with a wild silverback, and why these intensely intelligent, social animals have shaped the course of his life. We also explore our complicated cultural fascination with gorillas, including the surprising story of King Kong, and how our understanding of great apes has transformed over the past half-century. Part adventure story, part conservation masterclass, this is a rare glimpse into the lives of gorillas from a man who has spent a lifetime getting to know, and fighting to protect, them.