Segment: Gorongosa Wildlife
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane & Nigel Ruck
Date: 2nd December 2018

Gorongosa Wildlife National Park is one of the greatest wildlife restoration stories, with Greg Carr’s foundation working with the Mozambican Government to bring the wildlife of the park back from almost total collapse.

• By 1992, after years of conflict the animal populations of the park had decreased in population by 95%. It is estimated that there were no more than a few wildebeest, 300 elephants, 6 lions, 5 zebras and 15 buffalo left.
• While there are baboons at the nearby accommodation that are used to people walking around, those living in the park are wild, and are just as curious about people as we are about them.
• Gorongosa Wildlife National Park is home to over 150 species of bird, with bearded woodpeckers, the red chested cuckoo and the lilac breasted roller being just some of the species. There is also the green headed oriole, a type of bird that is exclusive to Gorongosa.
• While warthogs can be found in the park, many have taken to the lodge as a safe place to hang out. They don’t mind sharing the area with human visitors and are happy with the attention – so long as you don’t interrupt their feasting!
• Lions inhabit the park, and you can sometimes find them lying about in the savannah. It is an extraordinary experience to have lions in their natural habitat just metres away from your safari truck and is definitely one of the highlights of Mozambique.
• You can play your part in helping the animals of Gorongosa by visiting it yourself to see all of the amazing conservation work – which at the same time will help out both the locals and the animals.