Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani (review)

Ottaviani, who celebrated the accomplishments of a host of women scientists in Two Fisted Science, offers another graphic-novel account accessible to a slightly younger audience, focused on three pioneers of primatology, all of whom launched their field studies under the patronage of paleontologist Louis Leakey. Although their individual careers are not examined in depth here, each woman's research area and contribution are clearly conveyed: Jane Goodall's observation of Tanzanian chimpanzee tool use redefined the meaning of "human"; Dian Fossey's work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda segued into a fierce battle for species conservation; Biruté Galdikas crossed a human/primate barrier to study the elusive orangutan in Borneo. Moreover, Ottaviani highlights how Leakey himself was vindicated time and again for putting his faith in un-credentialed women, rightly suspecting that their patience and perspicacity would gain them access to primate communities. Distinctive narration box colors and lettering styles identify and track each woman's story. Wicks' characterizations of both humans and primates sport an innocence that augments the title's approachability and also underscores the freshness of the scientists' approaches in developing close relationships with their subjects. Readers already familiar with this dynamic trio will certainly note, and possibly decry, the omission of significant drama—particularly the debated circumstances surrounding Fossey's violent death. Nonetheless, this is an inviting introduction that will undoubtedly lure many readers into further investigation of this groundbreaking fieldwork.