Wildlife researchers often expect surprises in the field, but sometimes those moments are charming enough to make headlines. An anecdote involving Panthera’s Zambia team recently appeared in a Washington Post travel story, spotlighting just how unpredictable an evening in the bush can be. In this case, an opinionated elephant made its feelings known about a noisy camper.
Encounters like this are part of what makes Panthera’s work so extraordinary. For our teams, unexpected interactions — playful, mischievous or simply unforgettable — are reminders of the vibrant ecosystems we strive to protect. Here are a few favorite moments shared by Panthera staff across three countries.
Wild cat scientists from Panthera were contacted when a wild oncilla followed a domestic cat into its house in Costa Rica. According to community members, this oncilla has been spotted playing with domestic cats, which run about the same size. The playful feeling isn't always mutual, however. When residents find their cats scurrying home, they know that the oncilla is nearby and looking for a nice game of hide-and-seek. Representatives from the Minister of Environment's, who oversee local wildlife, removed the female cat, confirmed she was healthy, and then released her without harm back into the wild.
— Daniela Araya-Gamboa, Conservation Scientist, Panthera Costa Rica, Costa Rica, 2024
(P.S. A reminder that wild cats and all wildlife, no matter how cute, are not pets and should only be handled by wildlife authorities or other trained professionals.)
Panthera recently expanded into Tanzania in partnership with the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and local communities to lead research, protection and community-based conservation initiatives benefitting both wildlife and people. As part of the first-ever camera trap survey in the area, which aimed to gather baseline animal population numbers, local (wildlife) residents were quite effective in conveying exactly who is in charge…. Turns out thievery by Tanzania’s wildlife carries no penalty. Here, Panthera’s camera trap catches a wild hyaena on foot, making a clean getaway with a prized boot(y). Case closed, sole stolen.
— Paolo Strampelli, PhD, Panthera Tanzania, Tanzania 2025
After a long day of carrying out a wild cat tracking survey to monitor lion presence in Zambia's Kafue National Park, a team from Panthera set up tents to spend the night in the bush. One scout was snoring far too loudly this evening, so much so that a passing elephant took exception and threw a table on his tent. While this didn't injure the scout, it did give him a huge fright... and to the elephant's chagrin, stopped the snoring for good.
— Jake Overton, PhD, Panthera Zambia Director of Community Engagement, Panthera Zambia, Greater Kafue Ecosystem, Zambia, 2022
These memorable interactions capture the spirit of Panthera’s work. They remind us that conservation is not just about science or strategy; it’s about coexistence, humility and respecting the remarkable animals who share these landscapes with us.
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© Sebastian Kennerknecht
