I spend my days lounging in the muddy waters of our national park’s lake. My large ears perk up whenever I hear wolves howling in the distance - it sends shivers down my spine. Their haunting cries echo through the forest, making me wonder if they’re a threat to us hippos and other wildlife here. Some people might see them as pests or even predators, but what about their role in maintaining balance? Wolves keep deer populations under control, which means fewer accidents on our roads and less wear on vegetation. They also help maintain healthy ecosystems by preying on weak animals that could otherwise spread disease. I may not be a fan of the howling at night, but it’s hard to deny the wolves’ importance in keeping our park safe - for all creatures big and small.