A Canadian woman, who dedicated years studying giraffes in Africa, is being recognized in a new Heritage Minutes short film. Historica Canada unveiled a video spotlighting the achievements of Anne Innis Dagg from Waterloo, Ontario. Dagg, a renowned zoologist and author of several books, notably a comprehensive work on giraffes, passed away at 91 last year.
The initiative to produce a short film about a lesser-known Canadian female scientist was proposed to Dagg’s family by Historica Canada in 2024. Mary Dagg, the CEO of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, enthusiastically embraced the idea, emphasizing the importance of sharing her mother’s legacy with a broader audience.
The new Heritage Minute showcasing Dagg was launched during Women’s History Month in Canada. Anthony Wilson-Smith, the president and CEO of Historica Canada, commended Dagg for embodying the qualities sought after in a Heritage Minute figure, highlighting her resilience and significant contributions to the field of zoology.
Despite facing obstacles in academia, Dagg’s expertise and advocacy for gender equality are emphasized in the documentary “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes.” The film, directed by Alison Reid, was a result of Reid’s visit to Dagg’s home and the discovery of extensive archival material from Dagg’s research expeditions.
Mary Dagg shared that the documentary’s production spanned five years, involving interviews in Africa and reflections on Dagg’s challenges in academia. She hopes that the Heritage Minute will inspire viewers to engage with environmental conservation and follow their passions, mirroring Dagg’s unwavering dedication to giraffe research.
The Heritage Minute serves as a tribute to Anne Innis Dagg’s remarkable legacy and her pioneering contributions to the field of zoology, encouraging viewers to appreciate her enduring impact on wildlife conservation.
