Gorongosa National Park

by David E Shaw

Several weeks ago I visited remote Gorongosa National Park (GNP) in Mozambique with my friend Gregory Carr, Gorongosa Project founder and president. 

GNP is widely considered to be one of the planet’s most remarkable ecological gems, and Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration story.  This amazing park, roughly the size of Rhode Island, consists of more than 1500 square miles in the heart of central Mozambique at the southern end of Africa’s famous Rift Valley.   Mount Gorongosa, with an elevation of more than 6000 feet, is included in the park.  

A long and violent civil war in Mozambique between 1977 and 1992, followed by widespread hunting,  devastated wildlife in the park, reducing the large animal population by 90% or more.   Thousands of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and other animals were slaughtered for food, and several species were driven locally extinct.   Ivory tusks from hundreds of slaughtered elephants were sold to buy arms and supplies.   

Fortunately, in 2004, an innovative and extensive public-private restoration project (The Gorongosa Project) was launched by the Mozambique government in partnership with the US based Carr Foundation.  Over the past 20 years, this ambitious initiative has been helping to restore the park to its former glory, rebuilding infrastructure and restoring depleted animal populations. The Project benefits from science-based conservation practices, and sustainable tourism policies, plus innovative human development programs in local communities.  

My perspective on Gorongosa is informed by extensive national park experience via the US National Park Foundation, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Second Century Stewardship and other initiatives.  That experience helps me to better understand and appreciate the remarkable work of The Gorongosa Project including its innovative vision and accomplishments related to human development. Hopefully Gorongosa will serve as inspiration for similar efforts throughout the world in these challenging times.  

In celebration of  this exceptionally important work, I’m happy to share more videos.

Gorongosa’s 2020 mission video:

It’s important to note that Gorongosa employees have roughly tripled since this video was produced.   

CBS 60 Minutes segment on Gorongosa:

Gorongosa was also featured in an episode of PBS’s series “Human Footprint”; and a 2015 documentary series called “Gorongosa Park: Rebirth of Paradise” follows the re-wilding of Gorongosa National Park.

I am also happy to share that the remarkable Gorongosa story was the subject of a Spring 2024 special issue of Nautilus Magazine. As a member of the Nautilus Advisory Board I’m proud of our commitment to take readers on a voyage into the wonders of the universe  …  telling important scientific and cultural stories with exceptional clarity and vitality.  Our special issue on Gorongosa as a “living laboratory of hope” can be viewed HERE.

Congratulations to Greg Carr and the Gorongosa team for such impressive accomplishments to benefit nature and human development.