Black panthers are particularly rare in Africa, only a couple have been photographed in the last 100 years. Another black leopard was photographed in Kenya in the same region in 2013. CNN incorrectly claims this was the first one photographed in Africa since since 1909, but then concedes reports of the photos from five years ago: I guess they are saying this is the first scientifically confirmed footage… Either way, it’s exciting as the panthers, black color variations of leopards, also known as melanistic leopards, are far less common in Africa than their South and East Asian cousins.
So, now I’m kind of angry that CNN and other media outlets are writing this up as the first black leopard photographed in Africa in 100 years, as one was clearly photographed by a Kenyan photographer in 2013. It’s almost like they credited the white, western photog and discounted the photos taken by the black, African photographer. It should be noted, the photographer who actually captured the first black panther photos in Africa in over 100 years is an award-winning Kenyan woman, Phoebe Okall. I want to make clear that the new claims are not coming from Burrard-Lucas, who took the new pictures. Sounds like the researches from San Diego, who published and are being quoted, are the ones who ignored or discredited Okall’s photos and are spreading misinformation. During Black History month, no less. Let’s recognize Ms. Okall’s great work!
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