Simona Kossak

In 1972, after defending her master’s thesis, Simona Kossak, who comes from a famous family of painters, in an act of rebellion against her tradition, started working as a scientist in Białowieża. Once there, her naive ideas about the work of a naturalist are painfully verified. Stubborn character, determination and the upbringing she received at home help her defend her ideals and the Białowieża Forest. Her research on the life of deer and their impact on the forest ecosystem forced the then authorities to verify their plans for this species. In Białowieża, she also meets photographer Lech Wilczek, with who she becomes involved and with who she shares common passion and difficult relationships. Simona lived for the rest of her life in the Dziedzinka forester’s lodge in the heart of Białowieża.