In Search of the Elusive Panther: A Journey from Brooklyn's Streets to Florida's Wild Wilderness
Elusive Florida panther on the banks of the Kissimmee River. Photo by George McKenzie, Jr. for @WildPath.
White pelicans and wood storks hanging out at sunset on Buck Island Ranch.
A Florida black bear walking through the scrub on a ranch in the head waters of the Everglades, Hendrie Ranch. Photo by George McKenzie, Jr. for @WildPath.
Above: a Florida scrub jay photographed at Archbold Biological Station.
Pictured above, a great horned owl, is perched in a pine tree.
A white-tail deer walking through a trail on DeLuca Wildlife Preserve. Photo by George McKenzie, Jr. for @WildPath.
A beautiful sunrise at Smoak Ranch.
About the Cover: The Florida scrub jay is one of the species of scrub jay native to North America. The current scrub jay population is estimated at 7,700 to 9,300 birds, which sadly, has put this beautiful bird on the endangered list. The largest amount of protected scrub jay habitat can be found in Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Leaving behind the iconic brownstones of Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn was no easy feat. In December 2021, a dream pulled me from the concrete jungle of New York City to the swamps of South-Central Florida. Awaiting me was an opportunity with the Path of the Panther project, a camera trap tech job that I’d eagerly applied for. With a heart full of ambition and the weight of the unknown, I sold whatever didn’t fit into a suitcase or my immediate reality and boarded the Amtrak at Penn Station, NYC. Destination: Sebring, Florida. The 29-hour journey was more than just a physical relocation—it was a leap of faith. Both exhilarating and petrifying, this decision transformed my life in ways I couldn’t have fathomed.
My preconceived notions of Florida, mostly garnered from popular culture and distant vacation memories, were about to be shattered. This wasn’t the touristy Florida known for its beaches and theme parks. It was wild Florida. The dense, whispering swamps of the Everglades, the rhythmic chorus of critters at night, and the magnificent beauty of the panther—this was a world away from the urban rhythms of Brooklyn.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I immersed myself in the intricate art of camera trapping. From positioning to patience, I learned the nuances that went into capturing nature’s most candid moments. And the rewards? Priceless images of majestic black bears, elusive panthers, and the raw, untamed beauty of the Florida Everglades. But it wasn’t just about the wildlife. South-Central Florida introduced me to a community like no other. People who shared my passion, my curiosity, and my quest for understanding. The friendships I forged, bonds grounded in shared adventures and mutual respect, are ones that will last a lifetime.
One such unforgettable experience was attending my very first rodeo. The thrill of the event, the camaraderie of the crowd, and the surprising joy of riding a horse—not just any horse, but a cracker horse—is etched in my memory. Then, there was the unexpected gift that Florida gave me: love. Here, amidst the backdrop of nature’s raw beauty, I found my heart resonating with another. Falling in love with my girlfriend added another layer to my Florida story, making it even more special. This journey has been so much more than a geographical shift. It’s been transformative, illuminating parts of me I never knew existed. I’ve grown, evolved, and emerged as a more enlightened version of myself.
Today, as I reflect on my time here, I realize that Florida has imprinted on my soul. It’s no longer just a place; it’s an emotion, an integral chapter in the story of my life. No matter where the winds of fate take me next, Florida, with its swamps, its panthers, its friendships, and its love, will forever hold a treasured place in my heart.
While the panther is the star of the show, my camera traps are no one-trick ponies. On any given day, they capture a tapestry of the wild—black bears, white-tail deer, wild turkeys, and even, sometimes, the wandering cow. Nature’s diversity on full display.
Walking alone in such remote areas, every step pulsates with both the thrill of discovery and that tinge of uncertainty. Will today be the day a bear decided to inspect my equipment? Or maybe it’s the day I capture that perfect panther prowl?
Back at base, the adventure morphs but doesn’t end. Two weeks, analyzing every frame. Among those countless shots, the dream is to find the ones that truly captivate—the stories that capture nature in its raw, untamed glory.
Deep in the wild or at my desk, the journey with these creatures—panthers and beyond—is unending. And that’s precisely how I like it.
Life Captured
George McKenzie, Jr.
Capturing Florida’s Wild Wilderness
George McKenzie, Jr. is The LiveWildly Adventurist and a National Geographic Explorer from Brooklyn, New York, who specializes in wildlife, natural history, and conservation. George has over 10 years of experience and is well-versed in producing stories with an impact that focuses on human interests around the world. His latest project, based in Lake Placid, Florida, is capturing Florida’s wildlife.
His commercial clients include entities such as FjallRaven, Honda, Tribeca Film Festival, RedBull, HBO, and Nike. His editorial and non-profit clients have included National Geographic Magazine, Honda, NYC Salt, and National Geographic Society.
When George is not working on his next wildlife story, he’s an educator in his local community, mentoring rising young people of color.
To learn more, you can follow his latest adventures on @georgemckenziejr. To get in touch with George, he can be reached at info@georgemckenziejr.com.
Written and photography by George McKenzie, Jr.