A Canadian woman who dedicated years of study to giraffes in Africa is being commemorated in a new short film by Heritage Minutes. Historica Canada unveiled the video featuring the late Anne Innis Dagg of Waterloo, Ontario. Dagg, a renowned zoologist and author of several books, notably one regarded as the definitive guide on giraffes, passed away at 91 last year.
Mary Dagg, CEO of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation and Dagg’s daughter, shared that Historica Canada approached the family in 2024 to create a short film showcasing a lesser-known Canadian female scientist. Mary enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to shed light on her mother’s achievements.
The new Heritage Minute celebrating Dagg coincided with Women’s History Month in Canada. Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada, emphasized that Dagg embodied the qualities sought after for a Heritage Minute, triumphing over challenges to leave a lasting impact in her field with grace and dedication.
Despite being an esteemed authority on giraffes, Dagg faced difficulties securing a permanent teaching position due to her gender. The description accompanying the YouTube video highlights her advocacy for gender equality, particularly in academia.
Dagg was the subject of the 2018 documentary “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes,” directed by Alison Reid. Reid, who was inspired to make a documentary after listening to a CBC segment about Dagg, initially planned a theatrical film but shifted to a documentary upon discovering a wealth of archival material in Dagg’s possession.
Mary revealed that it took five years to complete the documentary, involving trips to Africa for interviews with Dagg, fellow giraffe experts, and individuals from the university where Dagg faced tenure challenges.
Mary expressed hope that the Heritage Minute would inspire others to engage in environmental conservation efforts. She emphasized her mother’s passion and determination, encouraging people to take proactive steps in caring for the planet.
The film aims to honor Dagg’s legacy and raise awareness about her contributions to science and gender equality.