Swimming puma returns to wilds

A 70-kilogram  Puma spotted swimming in the ocean near the community of La Palma, Darien,  On Monday, October, 23 is back in its natural habitat.

The exhausted feline  had  been cared for by the  Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente), and the National Border Service (Senafront) and the Yaguará Panama Foundation, and was released in La Reserva Forestal on  Wednesday. Experts evaluated the animal and placed a collar with a GPS tracking system), to monitor its movements. The monitor opens and falls off after a year.

The rescuers named the young male puma, Palma.

It was in good condition although during evaluation a veterinarian found a small lesion in the left hind limb.

A video broadcast on social networks shows the exhausted and frightened puma among wooden pillars supporting houses after it landed.

Local residents notified the authorities.