How a corner of Argentine Patagonia went from 40,000 sheep and abandonment to a wildlife sanctuary

For decades, it was a vast sheep ranch. Today, this corner of Santa Cruz, Argentina, protects thousands of penguins, guanacos, foxes, and other species along the Atlantic coast.

In a remote corner of Argentine Patagonia, where the vast steppe meets the sea, an extraordinary transformation has taken place. The same land that was once home to tens of thousands of sheep has become a sanctuary for wildlife.

This is Monte León National Park, located in Santa Cruz Province. Covering more than 62,000 hectares (153,000 acres) and approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) of coastline, the park brings together marine and terrestrial ecosystems that support a remarkable diversity of species.

Before becoming a protected area, this land operated as a major sheep ranch throughout much of the 20th century.

From 40,000 sheep to protected land

Back in 1920, more than a century ago, Monte León Ranch had exactly 40,535 sheep, 300 horses, eight cows, and one bull.

Monte León National Park in Santa Cruz covers 62,000 hectares and 30 kilometers of coastline, where marine and terrestrial ecosystems coexist. Photo: X @argentinapatago

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