“Lack of patriotism in Nigeria worries me” — American tourists

In an astonishing twist of fate, American tourists Liza Gatsby and Peter Jenkins came to Nigeria on a 10-day transit visa in 1988—only to stay for 36 years.

What started as a brief stopover turned into a lifelong mission of wildlife conservation and community engagement that has made them fixtures in the Nigerian landscape.

The couple’s story, shared in a recent interview with a content creator, reveals how Nigeria’s wildlife and culture captured their hearts, transforming their plans and lives forever.

“We never intended to stay,” Gatsby confessed. “But Nigeria had something America didn’t—endless opportunities in science, wildlife conservation, and an unmatched sense of hospitality.”

Their initial visit was to explore Nigeria’s wildlife, and they were quickly captivated by the vast, untouched biodiversity, particularly in Cross River State. Together, they established a nonprofit organization, Pandas, to protect the rare and endangered drill monkeys in Bano and Calabar.

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“No one even knew the drill monkeys were here until we consulted the local people and found funding to conserve the area,” Jenkins explained. “Calabar, aside from Cameroon, was the perfect location for our mission.”

The couple fondly recalled the Nigeria of the late ’80s and early ’90s—when fuel cost a mere 35 Kobo, groceries were abundant, and the wildlife was thriving.

“The density of wildlife back then was extraordinary,” Jenkins remarked. “Nigeria had a richness we hadn’t seen anywhere else.”

While the couple’s love for Nigeria remains strong, they voiced concern over the waning national pride in preserving Nigeria’s natural and cultural heritage.

“There’s a lack of patriotism that worries me,” Gatsby shared. “Nigerians don’t realize the treasure they have in their natural heritage.”

Gatsby and Jenkins’ journey from tourists to long-term residents and wildlife advocates is a testament to the unpredictable and profound impact of Nigeria’s charm. What began as a short visit has turned into a life’s mission, filled with conservation work, cultural appreciation, and a love for the country they now call home.

Their incredible story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of embracing Nigeria’s natural and cultural treasures, something they hope more Nigerians will recognize and cherish.