Carlos

Cougar, puma, mountain lion, etc. (Puma concolor) 
Belize Zoo, Belize
June, 28, 2014
3rd Place Winner of the 2014 Western Wildlife Conclave's "Animal Photography" category.

In 2014 I was lucky enough to meet Carlos at the Belize Zoo. He was a previous 'pet' that had been surrendered to the zoo once they realized how high his prey drive really was/why 'owning' a hundred pound wild animal was a mistake.

On that note, if you're in Belize and have the opportunity to go to the zoo: go. All of the animals there are rescues that are native to Belize and live out their days in spacious enclosures surrounded by vegetation that is naturally found within their wild ranges. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and it was honestly so refreshing to see so much care and love being shown to these animals.

(If you wish to use THIS image as a stock photo: PLEASE ASK FIRST!!!)