Path of the Panther

"Path of the Panther" is a 2023 American documentary film focusing on the efforts to conserve the endangered Florida panther and its habitat in the Everglades. The film follows National Geographic photographer Carlton Ward Jr., who, along with a team of biologists, ranchers, and Indigenous community members, strives to prevent environmental degradation. The documentary emphasizes the importance of preserving the Florida Wildlife Corridor—a network of over 18 million acres of protected and private lands essential for the panther's survival and the region's biodiversity. It also features Betty Osceola, an environmental advocate from the Seminole Tribe, highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of protecting the panther's habitat. The production spanned nearly five years, employing innovative filming techniques such as camera traps to capture rare footage of the Florida panther in the wild. The film influenced the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, aimed at safeguarding and connecting over 18 million acres of habitat. "Path of the Panther" premiered in select Florida theaters before becoming available on Disney+ in May 2023.