A Canadian woman who dedicated herself to studying giraffes in Africa is being recognized in a new Heritage Minutes short film. Historica Canada unveiled the video showcasing the late Anne Innis Dagg of Waterloo, Ontario. Dagg, a renowned zoologist and author, notably penned a definitive book on giraffes following her extensive work in Africa before her passing at 91.
Mary Dagg, CEO of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation and Dagg’s daughter, shared that Historica Canada approached their family in 2024 to create a short film highlighting a Canadian female scientist deserving of wider recognition. The new Heritage Minute celebrating Dagg was launched in honor of Women’s History Month in Canada.
Anthony Wilson-Smith, President, and CEO of Historica Canada, described Dagg as an exemplary figure embodying the qualities sought after for a Heritage Minute. He emphasized her resilience, significant contributions, and unwavering dedication as attributes that all Canadians should acknowledge with pride.
Dagg’s life story was previously depicted in the 2018 documentary “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes,” directed by Alison Reid. Reid, who initially envisioned a theatrical film about Dagg after hearing her story on a CBC show, shifted gears to create a documentary after discovering a treasure trove of historical footage at Dagg’s home.
Mary Dagg revealed that it took five years to complete the documentary, which involved revisiting Africa for interviews with her mother, giraffe experts, and individuals associated with the university where Dagg faced challenges in securing a permanent teaching position.
Through the Heritage Minute and the documentary, Mary hopes to inspire others to take action and engage in environmental conservation efforts. She encourages people to follow Dagg’s example of unwavering passion and determination in pursuing one’s interests, no matter the obstacles faced.
