'Most of Gorongosa's large animals had died': How an African paradise for nature recovered from the ravages of war

But as the human population grew across the continent, farmers and ranchers, fearing these clever hunters would prey on their livestock, hunted and killed these majestic animals in their thousands.

It has at least eight packs of wolves that run freely across the park, all thanks to the rewilding efforts to bring them back to where they once lived, and restore a natural order to the environment.

This vast landscape was a paradise of lush green flood plains, grassy savannahs, wetlands, woodlands, and mountains.

(Image credit: Rewild the World at Bedtime by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Ella Beech © Wide Eyed Editions, 2024)When the war finally ended, the park was unrecognizable.

With his support, the park had enough money not only to bring back the animals, but also to build schools and provide healthcare and jobs for the people who lived in and around Gorongosa.

(Image credit: Rewild the World at Bedtime by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Ella Beech © Wide Eyed Editions, 2024)Sometimes these creatures come into conflict with the people who live nearby.