(Source: Mithun H) The Bengaluru-based wildlife photographer’s unique photo has been doing rounds on the internet earning plaudits online. Just three days ago, an arresting photo of the same black panther alongside a leopard started being widely shared online. So, the viral photograph of the big cat couple was shot by wildlife photographer Mithun H in the winters of 2019 at the Kabini Forest Reserve — one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Karnataka, comprising the south-eastern part of Nagarahole National Park. On his Instagram, he has titled the photograph: ‘The Eternal Couple’, features Saaya, the Black Panther and Cleopatra, the Leopardess. The wildlife photographer, who tracks big cats and is known for working on ‘The Real Black Panther’ for Nat Geo Wild, said he didn’t expect the image to go viral and certainly didn’t anticipate the controversy that followed.

Source: Indian Express July 24, 2020 05:48 UTC