TAMPA, Fla. – A young Florida panther that survived a high-speed vehicle collision last summer has officially found a permanent sanctuary at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The move follows months of intensive surgeries and a massive collaborative rescue effort involving state wildlife officials and private veterinary specialists.
The male panther, now named Loper, was struck by a car in Southwest Florida last July. While vehicle strikes killed more than 30 panthers in 2024 alone, Loper survived the initial impact with fractures to his front leg. He was rushed to BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital in Fort Myers, where surgeons used donated orthopedic plates to repair his radius and ulna.
“Following initial assessment and stabilization, the panther was found to have sustained a right radius and ulna fracture as well as some minor lacerations,” said Dr. Oscar Carballo of BluePearl Fort Myers. “We were able to stabilize both bones with plates and screws to repair the injuries.”
Because the recovery of an endangered apex predator requires specialized facilities, Loper was transferred to ZooTampa for round-the-clock monitoring. Over the course of eight weeks, staff used remote cameras to watch the cat, minimizing human contact to keep his wild instincts intact. However, during his recovery, caretakers noticed a persistent limp. Further imaging revealed an additional fracture in his humerus, leading to three more pro bono surgeries performed by Dr. Brett Darrow of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists.
“Many people don’t realize how difficult life is for wild animals, particularly large cats, trying to survive in an increasingly diminished and fragmented wilderness,” Dr. Darrow noted.
Despite the successful surgeries, the length of Loper’s medical journey made a return to the wild impossible. Wildlife experts determined that his extended time in captivity and his physical limitations would hinder his ability to hunt and survive. Consequently, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) deemed him non-releasable.
“Rehabilitating Florida panthers is challenging, so we are especially grateful for the partnerships that made this successful outcome possible,” said Dr. Peter Sebastian, a panther veterinarian for the FWC. He also highlighted the role of “Protect the Panther” license plate funds in supporting such complex recoveries.
Loper is currently acclimating to his new habitat in the Zoo’s Florida Wilds section. While he can no longer roam the Florida wilderness, ZooTampa officials say he will serve as a “conservation ambassador” to help the public understand the threats facing the estimated 120 to 230 panthers remaining in the wild.
Dr. Meredith Persky, Senior Vice President and Chief Conservation & Animal Health Officer at ZooTampa, emphasized the broader impact of the rescue. “Although we hoped he would return to his native habitat, Loper’s story will inspire greater awareness and impactful action to protect this iconic species,” she said.
Loper is expected to be visible to the public in the coming weeks as he adjusts to his new diet and environment. Officials continue to urge drivers to stay alert in panther habitats, particularly during dawn and dusk, to prevent similar accidents.
RELATED: Collision Claims Life Of Endangered Florida Panther
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