Groundbreaking Florida panther documentary now streaming

V Hall, Staff Reporter|May 1, 2023

Carlton Ward

Path of the Panther camera trap captures “Babs,” the first female Florida panther documented North of the Caloosahatchee River since 1973, and a new mother, standing next to one of her kittens. Photographer Carlton Ward says this moment represents the last best hope for a new generation of panthers and to one day reclaim their historic range. (Photo courtesy of Carlton Ward)

      As of April 28, the groundbreaking documentary “Path of the Panther,” with images captured by Carlton Ward, will be available on Disney+, Hulu, and National Geographic. As an avid documentary watcher, I would encourage any other enthusiasts to watch the film. The documentary immerses the viewer into the untamed Florida Everglades.

Suburban development outside Orlando, Florida reveals the increasing fragmentation in former panther habitat. (Photo courtesy of Carlton Ward)

     “Path of the Panther,” which screened at the Omaha Film Festival in March, is beyond eye-opening. It reveals the duality of human interaction with nature. The film’s use of camera traps creates high-quality images of animals in their natural habitat and triggers strong emotions, revealing beauty in the commonly overlooked ecosystem. Aerial footage depicts the wilderness of the Florida corridor and the creeping borders of civilization and offers a big-picture perspective for visualizing this diminishing habitat.

     Ward’s photography method produces crisp and powerful images that provide an unprecedented, detailed documentation of the Florida panther. This vision proved to be crucial to the protection of the habitat, as the film’s screening in Florida sparked the implementation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which protects a habitat that is home to nearly 700 endangered species. It was signed into law unanimously.

     Each image seems to perfectly capture the emotion and intent of the animal photographed. The deliberate inclusion of stunning images of other Florida wildlife enforces a sense of an unappreciated yet preserved ecosystem that is facing complete destruction.

Veterinarian Dr. Lara Cusack assesses the health of three kittens during a den survey. (Photo courtesy of Carlton Ward)

     The film captures the passion and investment of wildlife biologists, photographers and contributing members of the project. Bloopers and test shots provide another perspective into the lives and personalities of these people who care so deeply about the environment and the animals. The entire documentary includes the struggles of capturing such an elusive animal on film. To ensure the pictures are framed correctly and the camera is working, the team may do a test shot. The inclusion of these lighthearted images reminds the audience that real people are working toward this goal. If one person cares this much, why shouldn’t all of us?

Photos and caption information courtesy of “Path of the Panther” and Carlton Ward.