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.
I’ve been watching from my perch near the lake as humans debate whether reintroducing wolves into our national park is beneficial or not. As I listen to their arguments, I find myself pondering what it means to be part of an ecosystem where apex predators like wolves exist. Before they were here, we hippos had a relatively peaceful existence in the water and on land. But with their return, there’s been a noticeable shift - our home is no longer as quiet at night.
I’ve noticed that deer populations have decreased since the wolves arrived, which has led to fewer accidents near human trails and less wear on vegetation along roadsides. It also means we hippos don’t have to compete for food with them anymore. Furthermore, by controlling weak animals in other species, wolves help maintain a balance within our ecosystem.
I’m not saying I enjoy their haunting cries at night, but it’s undeniable that they play a crucial role in keeping us safe - and the entire park healthy.