2-year-old panther hit by car in Fort Myers recovering at ZooTampa

TAMPA, Fla. —

A two-year-old panther that was hit by a car near Fort Myers is now recovering at ZooTampa and has become an ambassador for his species.

According to the South Florida Wildlands Association, Loper, a male panther, was hit by a vehicle near Fort Myers, which fractured his front right leg.

Though Loper survived the collision and surgery, his injuries were too severe, and it was determined he could not be released back into the wild.

SFWA said Loper will remain at ZooTampa and serve as a living reminder of the hardships Florida's state animal has to endure, as its habitat shrinks as development continues to expand.

More on Loper can be found =AT5eU_XtAE3wn019JsFsd92xjocPHk1An9Os7rcSIthZnAK3JktmpBDzWPYJJHeVT3B4Yt7qNoKbMyByNBw7zBRGMrVvm5hgqYbrUS-EcBobmlAxRRQcBxDuFxG_pwcttXrSSLwsUqa_XMSj7_CNpxNNaVTY1JFSQcZOUideW8wc7k3UC7R1HmL3sM3ctBSK9sYhye2dKS7UWRYBEPhDJD89TA" target="_blank">here.

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