19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Cougar

This is a beautiful young Cougar being a victim from human ignorance and arrogance. He was deprived of his freedom to live in the wild once obtained as a pet for a South Florida residence. He was confined to a small cage by his owner wanting to have a wild animal in his property. His personal pleasure hurt this animal forever by human-imprinting and as a consequence voiding his chance to live in the wild along side others of this endangered specie. He was allocated by the court to live at Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida. He is now doing well in a large natural-like habitat receiving good care, vet supervision, proper food and lots of love from the Animal Care personnel. I am proud volunteer bringing awareness through my photography supporting such good cause and silent work. This environmental institution is dedicated to give new life to a large number of animals in distress helping them have a second chance.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Davie, Fl, United States of America
Copyright: © Lorenzo Cassina