A very unique encounter with a rare black panther in the jungles of India

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While sighting a black panther in the wild may sounds like an experience many can only dream for, this wildlife photographer is specialized in close encounters with the elusive cats. Over the last four years, wildlife photographer Shaaz Jung has closely followed the steps of this majestic creature thorough the Indian jungles and captured on camera some spectacular sights of it.


Image credits: shaazjung

Jung instantly fell in love with the rare black panthers the moment he first spotted one. Ever since he’s became so close to these breathtaking beauties and every time his photos air on social media, they immediately go viral.

“Ever since our eyes first met, my passion became an obsession and it was my ultimate goal to shed more light on the master of darkness,” the photographer said. “Today I am extremely fortunate to be making a film on him for Nat Geo WILD as well as writing an extensive research paper.”

 

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He who holds the two crescent moons, the shadow that summons light, darkness nears but the stars must wait, for he becomes the night. . . My photographs of this magnificent creature went viral this week. Though I took credit for most it, it is the panther’s enigmatic beauty, often lit by his luminous eyes, that deserve all the applause. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you, those that have dropped me some of the most touching messages this week, and to those who have followed me on this beautiful journey from day one. You guys are my inspiration and I hope this animal has inspired you to visit our beautiful Indian jungles. . . #shaazjung #blackpanther #nikon #nikonindia #wildlife #nature #natgeo

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Jung spent the last 3-4 years in the forests of Kabini hunting this elusive wild cat with nothing but his camera. He admits the unique experience he had required a lot of patience as leopards are known as highly secretive creatures. However, Jung says it worth every moment of it.

 

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The Great Gathering . . #shaazjung #blackpanther #nikon #nature #wildlife

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“I spent two and a half years in the Kabini Forest,” he told Bored Panda. “This black panther is a leopard with an abundance of melanin. Unlike other cats in the Kabini Forest, there is only one black panther. This of course makes him far more difficult to photograph.”


Image credits: shaazjung

Besides the fascinating snaps of the rare black panther, Jung has managed to capture on camera other residents of the Indian jungle as well. Have a look to his impressive work:

Credits Instagram | Bored Panda

 

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Let’s say, every night I had the power to dream any dream I wanted. Every night I used this power to full-fill every pleasure and every adventure. As the nights passed, I had to dream deeper and deeper, in pursuit of greater pleasures and bigger adventures. I had to explore the furthest corners of my imagination, until one night, I finally dreamt of where I am now. . . This philosophy, inspired by Alan Watts, has helped shape my creative vision. My dream is to always embark on a visual quest and turn those visual discoveries into reality. My work aims to transcend this reality and create dreamlike settings where the viewer is often lost between the dreamworld and the real world. To portray wildlife as art is a beautiful dream where the artist within breaks free from the boundaries of photography. . . The mind is a powerful place to explore your creativity, full of endless discovery, and what a beautiful world I’ve discovered. . . #shaazjung #environmentalsurrealism #nikon #nikonindia #wildlife #nature #leopard #bigcats

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To taste a little bit more of Jung’s passion for wildlife photography, follow him on Instagram!

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