Ian Redmond is a leading figure in the wildlife conservation movement, well known internationally for his books, articles, lectures, and television appearances. His fieldwork began in 1976, when he spent two years as Dian Fossey's research assistant, studying and protecting the mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanoes in Africa. He has spent some part of almost every year in that region ever since, acting as a consultant, guiding documentary film crews, or leading special interest tours. Since 1980, he has also been involved in elephant research and conservation.