TAMPA, FL — A young Florida panther injured in a vehicle collision last July has found a permanent home at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
The panther, named Loper, is currently acclimating to his new environment, according to a news release from the zoo. Guests will soon see him in the zoo’s Florida Wilds area.
His arrival at ZooTampa comes on the heels of the death of Lucy, a panther who was humanely euthanized last month after her health declined following a cancer diagnosis in recent years. She was 18 years old.
Loper will continue to educate visitors about the challenges facing Florida panthers and the importance of habitat preservation, the news release said. Vehicle collisions remain a significant threat to the critically endangered species.
His journey highlights a collaborative effort among wildlife and veterinary partners across Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission coordinated the emergency response after Loper was struck in Southwest Florida. Surgery was performed at BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital in Fort Myers. Veterinarians repaired fractures to his radius and ulna using orthopedic plates.
“Following initial assessment and stabilization, the panther was found to have sustained a right radius and ulna fracture as well as some minor lacerations. We were able to stabilize both bones with plates and screws to repair the injuries.,” Dr. Oscar Carballo, DVM, surgery, at BluePearl, said.
ZooTampa provided intensive rehabilitation care for eight weeks. Staff monitored Loper around the clock using cameras. Periodic sedated exams evaluated the healing progress. Further examination revealed an additional fracture to his humerus.
Dr. Brett Darrow of ECoVets Veterinary Specialists performed additional surgical care pro bono.
“Since I can remember, it has been a dream of mine to help wildlife, and we built ECoVets Veterinary Specialists with the intention of contributing wherever we can,” Darrow said.
Despite these efforts, Loper’s prolonged treatment and concerns about habituation led to the decision that he was non-releasable.
“Rehabilitating Florida panthers is challenging, so we are especially grateful for the partnerships that made this successful outcome possible.,” Dr. Peter Sebastian, panther veterinarian for the FWC, said.
After this, ZooTampa offered Loper a permanent home.
“This young panther’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when agencies, veterinary and animal care specialists come together for Florida wildlife,” Dr. Meredith Persky, senior vice president and chief conservation and animal health officer at the zoo, said.