Rikkert Reijnen

Rikkert Reijnen’s career began in the Netherlands, where he championed the protection of exotic wild animals. At AAP Foundation, he led a campaign to ban the use of elephants, tigers, and other wild animals in Dutch circuses. He also advocated for a national “positive list” of exotic animal species that are suitable and permitted to be kept as pets.

Although both campaigns were successful, Rikkert understood that protecting wildlife requires more than changes within Dutch legislation. It requires effective protection in these animals’ countries of origin, stronger international laws against unsustainable wildlife trade, and adequate action against poaching and trafficking.

In 2008, Rikkert joined IFAW. From that point on, he dedicated himself to protecting wildlife worldwide, with Africa as a priority region. As director of IFAW’s Wildlife Crime program, he worked with colleagues to develop strategies and initiatives to combat poaching and trafficking in wildlife. He also worked to strengthen international regulations and reduce demand for live wild animals and their products.

Rikkert later worked as an independent consultant in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, focusing on the protection of elephant landscapes in East and southern Africa.

In 2025, he returned to IFAW as lead representative for the Dutch office and Director of External Partnerships. In this role, he brings together networks of stakeholders—from government agencies to (family) businesses, and from individual donors and foundations to field technicians and other subject matter experts.