The atypical American tourist duo Gatsby and Jenkins defied the boundaries of time to take root in the social fabric of Nigeria, well beyond the limits of their 10-day transit visa. Their captivating story, revealed in an interview with content creator David Nkwa, reveals an exceptional adventure that began in 1988 and continues today, 36 years later.
The choice of these travelers to extend their stay was forged on the discovery of warm hospitality, impeccable road infrastructure and living conditions that they found more attractive than in the United States at the time. But what really kept them was the urgent call to save the drill monkeys, an endangered species present in Nigeria.
Their commitment to preserving local wildlife led them to found a non-profit organization, Pandas, working to ranch drill monkeys in the Bano and Calabar regions of Cross River State. A deep love for biodiversity and a belief that every living being, whether human or animal, deserves respect and protection, have driven their actions for decades.
Gatsby fondly highlights the warm welcome of Nigerians, a generous and hospitable people, which has sealed the unbreakable bond they have with this country today. Jenkins, for his part, explains the choice to settle in Calabar, motivated by the presence of drill monkeys and other rare species in the region, thus providing a fertile ground for their conservation and research efforts.
At a time when African nature was still preserved and abundant, when the density of wildlife in the forests was surprisingly rich, Nigeria offered an ideal setting for conducting in-depth research. The simplicity of life, the generosity of local communities and the wealth of natural resources appealed to these conservation pioneers.
In short, the story of Gatsby and Jenkins is one of exceptional adventure, a deep attachment to nature and a vision of equality among all forms of life. Their selfless commitment and determination to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity deserves to be celebrated and will surely inspire future generations to follow their example.