Years ago, when I lived in London, I had an existential experience, while listening to some beautiful subliminal meditative music. I remember it being summer and as I closed my eyes, laid back and soaked in the music and warmth coming in through my open windows. I was transformed in my mind to a jungle like environment. But even more than that, I embodied the spirit of a Panther, and through ‘its’ senses I could for a few minutes, feel what it felt. The power, strength, dignity and wisdom as I moved though that jungle as one with this big cat, that connected with me through time and space. I never had the experience again, but it has stayed with me as a beautiful reminder of how we are all connected and how magical occurrences can happen.
Ever since that experience I’ve loved panthers and believe a part of me carries their grace, and strength. I would certainly say they are one of my totem animals.
I was further enthralled with panthers, when I learned about the story of Spirit. If you do not know about Spirit's miraculous journey from captive and unhappy panther, to finding his place in the world again and how it came about. I warmly recommend you go to Youtube, and learn about this Panther's communication with a human as told by Anna Breytenbach, "animal communicator" and the transformation of this beautiful creature. The amazing story of how leopard Diabolo became Spirit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvwHHMEDdT0
Lastly, remember that when we are talking about black panthers, we are referring to melanistic variants of leopards or jaguars, characterized by their dark coat due to a genetic mutation. Black leopards are found in Africa and parts of Asia, while black jaguars inhabit Central and South America. Both face similar conservation challenges, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts are centred around preserving their natural habitats, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and promoting coexistence with local communities. La Cat Connoisseur is committed to all Big Cat conservation efforts, so we'd love your support when we run our special fundraising promotional offers on selected products from our Big Cat Collection.
Image by Maryse Rebaudo
Panther Facts:
- Scientific name - Panthera
- Panthers are large felines, with adult males typically weighing between 120 to 160 pounds (54 to 73 kg). They can reach lengths of 3.5 to 6 feet (1 to 1.8 meters) from head to tail. Female panthers are generally smaller than males.
- Panthers are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of environments, from dense tropical forests and swamps to mountainous regions. In North America, the Florida panther, a subspecies of the cougar, resides primarily in the swamps of southern Florida.
- Panthers are carnivorous predators and have a varied diet depending on their habitat. They typically hunt large ungulates like deer and boars, but they may also prey on smaller animals such as birds and rodents.
- Panthers are solitary animals with large territories. They are highly territorial and mark their ranges with scent markings. Their territories can range from 50 to 150 square miles (130 to 390 square kilometers), depending on the availability of food and the density of other panthers.