Path of the Panther 2023

Drawn by the haunting presence of the Florida panther, renowned Nat Geo photographer Carlton Ward Jr. teams up with a diverse coalition that includes biologists, ranchers, conservationists, and Indigenous Peoples. Together, they find themselves at the forefront of a rapidly escalating conflict between the forces of restoration and the looming threats that have pushed the Everglades to the edge of ecological collapse.

This struggle mirrors a worldwide dilemma where the panther’s habitat has been reduced to an isolated island, its once-thriving territory now transformed into urban subdivisions. This lush paradise is fading away, disappearing almost before our eyes.

Perched on the brink of extinction, the panther symbolizes a once interconnected world—a symbol of potential renewal or a dire warning of what may happen to our planet if the Path of the Panther leads to a dead end. This journey weaves together themes of hope and sorrow, representing the culmination of over five years of intricate field research, half a million still images, and more than 800 hours of ultra-high-definition camera trap footage. Defying the odds, captivating footage of wild panthers in their natural habitat has been documented as never before.

These apex predators, among the most elusive and endangered wild cats globally, serve as the catalyst for an innovative concept: a wildlife corridor. This vision initiates a wild path that could potentially extend into every corner of the American continent.

What started as an ambitious photo and film mission is blossoming into a movement known as the Path of the Panther. This pioneering collaboration with the National Geographic Society and various partners has inspired the enactment of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, a pioneering piece of legislation that serves as a framework for combatting habitat fragmentation and species extinction worldwide.

Today, this movement is expanding rapidly. The world stands at a pivotal moment—and the panther is illuminating the way forward.

The film has garnered several accolades, including:

• WINNER - Audience Award ‘Best Feature’ - 2022 Florida Film Festival

• WINNER - Best Ecosystem - Jackson Wild Media Awards

• WINNER - Impact - Wildscreen Panda Awards

• WINNER - Production Team - Wildscreen Panda Awards

• WINNER - Audience Award - Active Cinema - Mill Valley Film Festival

• WINNER - Audience Award ‘Best Feature Documentary’ - Naples International Film Festival

• WINNER - Best Conservation Film - New York Wild

With its rich storytelling and powerful message, this documentary stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the need for humanity to act before it’s too late.