ZooTampa workers at Lowry Park announced Sunday that Lucy, the Florida Panther, had passed away. The announcement came with an emotional video in which staff reflected on her life and the impact she had on visitors. The clip, shared on social media, underscored the deep bond between the zoo and the panther.

Lucy was first rescued in 2007 as a kitten with head trauma, according to Ashley Todd, who was part of the hospital team that year. She later received round‑the‑clock care and survived a cancer diagnosis that had been identified several years earlier. Her recovery allowed her to become a living classroom for guests.

Beyond the zoo, Lucy appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, the Empire State Building, and even the Vatican, according to ZooTampa. The Florida Panther is listed as an endangered species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which estimates a core population of 120-230 adult panthers south of Lake Okeechobee.

ZooTampa’s mission to preserve Florida Panthers extends beyond education; it aims to protect the species in the wild. Lucy’s story highlights the zoo’s role in conservation and public awareness, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding the remaining 120-230 adult panthers and supporting habitat protection efforts across the state.