Historically known for its large mammals, such as the black buffalo, the park suffered heavily in the Angolan Civil War (1975–2002).

[4] The area is known for high species richness, variable rainfall, and the importance of mopane trees to the animals and people of the region.

Besides elephants and antelopes, the park also reportedly supports spotted hyenas, lions, elands, gnus and zebras.

[6] All species populations are believed to have been severely reduced during the war (the park was reportedly used as a practice artillery range), poaching, and human encroachment.

Since cessation of hostilities, work has begun by the Huíla provincial government to rebuild the infrastructure of the park to attract and protect animals.