Loper, a young male Florida panther, was hit by a car back in July 2025. Now he lives at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Wildlife experts decided he can’t go back to the wild because of his injuries and concerns that he might have gotten too used to people.
The crash broke two bones in his right front leg. He also had some cuts. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rushed him to BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in Fort Myers.
“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 at BluePearl in Fort Myers said, according to WTSP. “We were delighted the panther was transferred to ZooTampa for recovery.”
Eight weeks passed. Caretakers saw Loper still limped when he walked. They checked him again — this time looking at his whole body. They found another broken bone in his upper front leg, the humerus. Three more surgeries followed.
Between 120 and 230 Florida panthers survive in the wild today. That’s it. Each one matters. Last year, more than 30 panthers died — the worst year since 2016. Cars kill more panthers than anything else.
“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 & Animal Health Officer at ZooTampa, said. “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.”
Loper is getting used to where he lives now. Caretakers are helping him adjust. Visitors can see him soon in the zoo’s Florida Wilds section.
If you drive where panthers live, slow down. Watch the road when the sun rises, when it sets, and after dark. If you see a panther that’s hurt, sick, or dead, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.