Painting With A Panther - My Visit to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida

I’ve painted with a lot of different brushes, tools, and textures - but have never experimented with the paws of a Florida panther.

Click to see highlight video on YouTube.

As part of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s MOSAIC program, I had the opportunity to visit Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida, and take part in its “Paint With An Animal” experience. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect going in, but I can now say I have officially collaborated with a Florida panther on a painting. That’s not a sentence I ever thought I’d write.

The panther, named Charlie, created a piece using paints I helped select. We chose the colors of the Florida Panthers hockey team as a nod to the name and energy of the animal. Charlie’s handler used a method called “target training” to guide his paws through the canvas, leaving bold, expressive marks. The final result is something I’ll keep forever.

In between the painting and observing, I learned something new: Florida panthers, mountain lions, cougars, and pumas are all the same species—just regional names for this incredible animal. A reminder of how perspective changes everything.

What struck me the most during the visit was the mission of Busch Wildlife: not just conservation, but education, rehabilitation, and deep respect for Florida’s native species. The work they are doing is hands-on, heart-forward, and making a real impact, especially with the next generation of animal lovers and environmental stewards.

I’m grateful to the entire team at the sanctuary for welcoming me so warmly and to the Cultural Council for creating programs that connect art, nature, and community in such a powerful way.

If you’re local to South Florida, I highly recommend visiting the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and if you’re looking for something memorable, try one of its animal encounters. Through the end of May, you can use the code MOSAIC25 for a discount.

Big thanks again to everyone who made this experience possible. It reminded me why I paint - to connect, to explore, and to honor the stories we share with the world around us.

— Kyle