A Journey of Passion, Purpose, and Conservation. The story of a dedicated individual committed to protecting Africa's wildlife. Felix Olusola Abayomi is the Founder and CEO of the Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative (WACI), where he has dedicated his life to the protection and preservation of Africa's wildlife and natural habitats. With a deep-rooted passion for environmental advocacy, Felix has led WACI to become a significant force in raising awareness and driving conservation efforts across the continent. His leadership is characterized by a unique blend of strategic vision, cross-functional collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to both wildlife and the communities that rely on these ecosystems.

A Calling to Conservation: Felix's Early Journey

Felix's conservation story is one of faith, fate, and a lifelong calling that began with a serendipitous encounter during his university days. While studying at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, Felix stumbled upon an injured owl—an experience that ignited his passion for wildlife. Despite societal superstitions about owls, Felix chose to care for the bird, an act that marked the beginning of his journey into wildlife conservation.

Education and Professional Growth

Initially enrolled in a Catholic seminary, Felix felt a higher calling to pursue a different path. Despite being offered a place to study medicine, he chose zoology, driven by a deep-seated belief that his destiny lay in working with animals. This decision, guided by both faith and fate, set the stage for Felix’s future endeavors in wildlife conservation.

Felix's academic journey took him from Nigeria to Spain, where he earned a Master’s degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the Universidad Internacional de Andalucía. This period of study was transformative, rekindling the passion for conservation that Felix had nurtured since his early days with the owl. Currently, Felix is pursuing an Ed.D in Educational and Professional Practice with a specialization in Environmental Education Sustainability at Antioch University, USA, further solidifying his expertise in environmental education.

Throughout his career, Felix has continuously expanded his knowledge and skills, earning certifications in Social Entrepreneurship and Travel Consulting, Financial Planning, Entrepreneurship, and various aspects of environmental management and sustainability. His diverse skill set includes species conservation, environmental compliance, project management, and stakeholder collaboration, making him a well-rounded leader in the field. In addition to these qualifications, which complement his work in conservation by enhancing his ability to create and manage initiatives that have both social and environmental impact.

Founding the Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative

In 2016, Felix founded the Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative as a platform to channel his passion and expertise into tangible conservation actions. Under his leadership, WACI has launched numerous initiatives aimed at protecting Africa’s wildlife, from advocacy for elephants, rhinos, and lions to sea turtle conservation. Felix has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and fostering partnerships with local and international organizations, ensuring that WACI’s efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

One of Felix’s most notable achievements was the development of a Sea Turtle Education and Conservation Program, which began with a children’s coloring book and has since expanded to include community engagement, monitoring, and rescue operations. This initiative reflects Felix’s commitment to using education as a tool for conservation, empowering future generations to take action for wildlife protection.

Challenges and Resilience

Felix’s journey has not been without its challenges. Through perseverance and a steadfast commitment to his vision, he has navigated these obstacles while continuing to drive forward impactful conservation initiatives. Felix’s resilience is evident in his ability to adapt and refocus his energy on creating new opportunities for conservation, even when faced with setbacks.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Innovation

In addition to his work in wildlife conservation, Felix is a prolific idea generator and innovator, having founded multiple companies across diverse sectors in the United States. These ventures include:

Wildlife Africa - A platform dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation efforts and fostering a global community of conservationists.

The Felix Consulting Group - A consulting firm providing expertise in business strategy, development, and environmental sustainability.

InCity Road Trips - A service offering unique and immersive travel experiences that explore the hidden gems of various cities.

InCity Experience - A company focused on curating personalized city tours and cultural experiences.

Expedition America - A travel company that connects people with the beauty and diversity of America’s natural landscapes and cities.

Downtown Oasis Travel - A travel agency specializing in creating relaxing and rejuvenating travel itineraries in urban settings.

AFLaundry - A service providing efficient and convenient laundry solutions.

The Felix Consulting Group: Wildlife Education - An extension of his consulting firm, dedicated to providing education and advocacy for wildlife conservation.

Faith House Ministries Church - A faith-based organization committed to spiritual growth and community service.

InCity Experience (Trip Creator) - A platform offering customizable travel itineraries tailored to individual preferences.

Ecosphere Nexus - An initiative aimed at fostering global sustainability through collaborative environmental actions.

WildlifeofAfrica.com - An additional platform under Felix’s leadership, further advancing wildlife conservation initiatives and outreach efforts through Eco-Tourism

These companies reflect Felix’s relentless drive to innovate and address various needs within the marketplace. His ability to generate and develop ideas across multiple sectors showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.

A Vision for the Future

Felix Abayomi’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and an unyielding commitment to conservation and innovation. Through the Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative (WACI) and his numerous entrepreneurial ventures, Felix aims to create a generation that is knowledgeable and motivated to take positive action for wildlife and the environment. He envisions the establishment of WACI University—an institution dedicated to Wildlife and Environmental Education—which will reflect his professional practice as a leading organization in connecting people and nature. This university will bridge the gap between communities living alongside wildlife and experts in the field, offering real-time solutions to environmental sustainability challenges, supporting organizations and governments, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.

In addition to WACI University, Felix is passionate about launching an initiative called Justice Without Borders, which will hold individuals accountable for environmental crimes committed in one country, even if they attempt to escape to another. This initiative will ensure that those who harm the environment cannot find safe havens elsewhere, reinforcing the global commitment to environmental justice.

In every project, Felix embodies the core values of care, respect, and a deep belief in the goodness of people. He continues to inspire others to join him in his mission to protect Africa’s wildlife, ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity and natural beauty, where wildlife and humans coexist harmoniously, and where conservation is not just a profession, but a calling for all who recognize the intrinsic value of nature.

Conclusion

Felix Abayomi is not just a conservationist; he is a builder of men and women, a mentor, and a leader who has dedicated his life to the service of wildlife and the environment. His work with the Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative is a testament to his belief that with the right guidance, education, and support, anyone can make a significant impact on the world. Felix’s story is a powerful reminder that when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things can happen.