TUSK WILDLIFE RANGER AWARD WINNER 2021
Suleiman Saidu
Nigeria
Employed by the Nigeria National Park Service in 1999 as a park ranger, Suleiman has progressed through the ranks to become a Senior Game Guard Ranger at the Yankari National Park. His diligence, hard work, commitment and honesty have earned him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and his community.
Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State is Nigeria’s richest wildlife site and home to one of the largest remaining elephant populations in West Africa. Taking a zero-tolerance approach, Suleiman has driven down cattle grazing in the reserve, clamped down on corruption and drastically reduced levels of poaching.
Every day I feel motivated to do my job because I know poachers are out there trying to create problems. I need to counter any damage they might cause. I love wildlife and it’s my responsibility to take care of these animals for generations who come after me.
