In 1988, two American tourists, Liza Gatsby and Peter Jenkins, arrived in Nigeria with the expectation of staying just ten days on transit visas. However, what was meant to be a brief visit turned into a lifelong journey of more than 36 years, all centered around a shared passion for wildlife conservation. Their decision to remain in Nigeria was driven by an unexpected discovery that would change their lives and the future of an endangered species.
In a recent interview with content creator David Nkwa, Gatsby and Jenkins opened up about how their love for science and wildlife conservation led them to make Nigeria their home. According to them, they had no intention of overstaying their visit. Their plan was simple: explore Nigeria briefly and continue on their travels. But during their stay, they encountered something remarkable—the rare and endangered drill monkeys, a species native to parts of West Africa. These animals, they soon realized, were in urgent need of conservation efforts. What started as a brief interest soon became a life mission.
Gatsby recalled their initial fascination with Nigeria’s unique culture and natural beauty. They were impressed not only by the opportunities available in wildlife conservation but also by the kindness and hospitality of Nigerians. “I’ll tell you what I like about Nigerians,” she said. “Unlike anywhere else in Africa, they would say, ‘Hey, Oyinbo! Come in, sit down, let’s talk. I’ll buy you a drink.’ That’s the difference here—people made us feel welcome.”
Their love for Nigeria wasn’t just based on the friendly nature of its people. The country also offered them something much deeper: a purpose. The couple quickly immersed themselves in the world of wildlife conservation, dedicating their lives to preserving the drill monkeys, which were facing a serious threat of extinction. Jenkins explained that when they arrived in Nigeria, they were shocked at how little attention the species had received. “No one had really noticed these monkeys in the wild,” he said. “In fact, it wasn’t until 1987 that any significant discovery was made about their presence in Calabar and the surrounding regions of Cross River State. The local communities knew of these monkeys, but scientists and tourists alike had largely overlooked their existence. The more we learned about the drill monkeys, the more we realized just how endangered they were. It became clear to us that staying in Nigeria wasn’t just a personal decision—it was a responsibility.”
What began as curiosity quickly grew into a profound commitment. In 1989, just a year after their arrival, Liza and Peter founded Pandas, a nonprofit organization focused on wildlife conservation with a special emphasis on protecting the endangered drill monkeys. They established protected habitats in Bano and Calabar, working with local communities and international conservation groups to preserve the species. Jenkins remarked that the project was a collaborative effort that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the local people.
“These communities were key to our success,” Jenkins said. “They helped us understand the land, the animals, and how to coexist with them. Over time, they became our partners in conservation. It wasn’t just about saving the monkeys; it was about building trust and relationships with the people who lived there.”
As the couple became more involved in conservation efforts, they also became deeply connected to Nigeria itself. Gatsby explained that the richness of the country’s natural resources and its vibrant wildlife made their work even more important. “Nigeria, in the late 80s and early 90s, was full of life—both human and animal. There were vast forests, rich biodiversity, and an abundance of wildlife that we rarely see today,” she said. “We realized that if something wasn’t done, much of that natural beauty would be lost forever.”
Jenkins, too, reflected on how different Nigeria was when they first arrived. “Back then, the country had about 65 million people, and life was affordable. Diesel for our Land Rover cost just 35 kobo, and a trip to the market with 29 kobo could get you enough food for days. The roads were smooth, and the forests were full of life. But over the years, we’ve seen a decline in both the wildlife and the environment.”
Despite the challenges they have faced over the years, Gatsby and Jenkins have remained dedicated to their mission. They have worked tirelessly to bring international attention to the plight of the drill monkeys and other endangered species in Nigeria. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with many international organizations now collaborating with them to continue the important work of wildlife conservation.
However, their passion extends beyond the animals themselves. Gatsby has spoken out about the need for Nigerians to take pride in their own cultural and natural heritage. She believes that the neglect of Nigeria’s traditional knowledge, especially in areas like herbal medicine and natural healing, is a serious problem. “When we first arrived, there was a wealth of knowledge about herbs and natural healing in the forests,” she said. “But now, many of those herbalists are gone, and no one is learning from them. What used to be passed down through generations is being lost. Instead, we see herbal remedies from other countries being imported. Nigerians need to realize the value of what they have here.”
Looking to the future, both Gatsby and Jenkins hope to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to get involved in wildlife conservation and the preservation of their natural environment. “The work we started over 30 years ago needs to continue,” Jenkins said. “We need more young people to take an interest in conservation, to value their natural resources, and to understand the importance of protecting endangered species like the drill monkeys.”
Their journey, which began with a simple 10-day transit visa, has become a lifelong commitment to Nigeria and its wildlife. What started as a brief adventure has turned into a mission to save one of the rarest species in Africa and to help preserve the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. As Gatsby put it, “We came here with a short-term plan, but we stayed because we found a purpose that was bigger than ourselves.”