Wildlife photographer Shaaz Jung has dedicated years to documenting the rare and mysterious black panther in the Kabini Forest of India.
Fascinated by the wilderness since childhood, Jung turned his passion into a mission to capture the striking beauty of this elusive animal.
Spending over two years in Kabini, from December 2017 to January 2020, Jung’s efforts resulted in breathtaking images and a documentary for National Geographic.
“I spent two and a half years in the Kabini Forest on a filming permit,” he told Bored Panda, explaining how this permit allowed him and his team to focus on filming the black panther for the documentary.
In a forest with few melanistic leopards, the black panther is a solitary and rare creature. “Unlike other cats in the Kabini Forest, there is only one black panther,” Jung noted, emphasizing the challenge of photographing this elusive panther.
Since 2015, a few photographers had been lucky enough to capture glimpses of the black panther, but Jung’s team was the first to create a dedicated film on him.
Jung’s journey required patience, resilience, and a profound respect for the wild. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “It’s been an incredible journey,” acknowledging the challenges faced and the rewards earned along the way.
Jung expressed gratitude to the Karnataka Forest Department for their steadfast commitment to protecting Kabini’s ecosystems, which are essential for the survival of creatures like the black panther.
His photography not only preserves fleeting moments but also highlights the importance of conservation. “Wildlife is unpredictable,” he shared, “and I love the challenge of tracking your subject before you can photograph it. It feels far more rewarding.”
Through his work, Jung delivers a powerful message about the beauty of nature and the critical need to preserve it.
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