Incredible Moment with a Mother Puma and Cub! The Reality of Puma Photography in Patagonia

[@NLagos]

Dear Dani: My name is Nicolás Lagos, a local researcher from Chile, I’ve been working with puma research and conservation for more than 14 years and the last 8 here in Patagonia, in Torres del Paine and surroundings. I really appreciate your time showcasing the beauty of pumas of Patagonia in your channel, but I cannot not express my concern on your statements at the end of your video. Both pumas and guanacos (and all local wildlife in Chile) are protected by the law N°19.473, and any hunt or manipulation of those animals are strictly prohibited by law, with penalties who could even go to jail. So, when you affirm that in private ranches people are shooting guanacos and moving their carcasses for tourists, is a serious statement who needs to be treated with caution and checking your sources. As a leader in opinion, you should know that any statement you make is multiplicated by hundreds, generating a shared opinion on how puma tourism is being developed in Torres del Paine. There are people trying to make their living here in Patagonia working with pumas and some trying to make tourism as a way to help on puma conservation, so when you come with statements like that, you don’t help neither the pumas nor the local people or ranches working with puma tourism. I’ve worked since 2016 as a tracker and scientific advisor in 10 different documentaries about pumas in Torres del Paine, working in both the National Park and surrounding ranches who are turning now into puma tourism, and I’ve heard dozens of crazy stories about people behavior with pumas, but never seen anything close to what you say. If you say that they’re armed people killing guanacos for photographers, this statement can create unsuspected repercussions harming people and tourism. This is why I recommend you, if your plan is to keep the video online in KZbin or any other platform, to make a correct edit of it, eliminating any statement like that one, who doesn’t have any support. Otherwise, you can make transparent your sources and evidences. In this sense, I’m happy to help directing those evidences to the local authority in charge of wildlife protection and keep track on making this law fulfilled.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you for sharing your local insight. I have pinned your comment at the top for others to see and make a decision themselves. I still find it suspicious that three people who don't know each told me that pumas have been baited in Patagonia. The comment I made on my video about the private estancia was really to share my reasoning for deciding to go with a guide within Torres del Paine. If there is a chance that a site is using unethical practises, that's a good reason for me to avoid, whether it is true or not. I didn't want to take the risk and that was my decision. When I was booking this trip, the guides I spoke to, especially those within the estancia could not tell me accurate information on the photography experience, so due to this uncertainty, I just wanted to find a guide that was recommended, ethical and prioritised conservation. Recently there's been a lot of criticism about bear hides in Finland and that they use dog food to bait the bears. This has only recently been made public news but has been known for awhile and possible kept secret amongst the photographers. Personally, I think bears can be photographed elsewhere more ethically so it is a good reason to just avoid those venues. I'm not here to burden anyone's business, that's why in the video I said I didn't know the situation in the estancias as I couldn't find information on ethics, so I therefore decided it was a good reason to avoid. I focused my discussion on my experience within Torres del Paine. I'll be speaking to a lead guide soon at the estancia, and I'm keen to hear about their practises. Once again, thank you for sharing. I cut out a section in the video and just left my uncertainty and reasoning for finding a guide within Torres del Paine.

[@MelodiousHeart1]

Pumas are such majestic, gorgeous cats. I hope they never go extinct. Your films are magnificent and beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you very much!

[@dorhtag]

Q. Why can't I see your vlogs without tears? A. They are all so damed beautiful. You realy know how to get the best out of the shoots and your calm voice - I love it all

[@DaniConnorWild]

Wow, thank you

[@DutchVai]

I cannot express enough how happy it makes me to see how very happy you look and sound after talking about getting the shot ❤🙏

[@DaniConnorWild]

I usually get very excited to get close to wildlife. 😆😅

[@enochcastleberry5197]

thank you for sharing your honest thoughts, something that's lacking on photography KZbin these days

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks for the feedback. It’s easy to think that from a KZbin video it’s just the photographer/ camera person and the wildlife, and it’s not always the case.

[@sharonromero128]

Thank you, Dani. A wonderful video. Pumas are absolutely majestic. I think you can be very proud of your photography. I’m glad you are safely home. Many, many blessings

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you so much!

[@EarlyRiser--]

I can understand your let down of only two of seven of your sessions capturing wild Puma especially having to pay so much up front. But what you did capture was incredible! Plus witnessing the home of the Pumas with those exotic mountains, the wispy clouds covering the peaks, those wild crimson sunsets, plus the all the other wildlife was breathtaking. I especially loved seeing the pure red fungi on the rocks which is a miracle worker on this planet. I'll never get to visit South America, but I am grateful viewing it here through your eyes. An ethical guide like Miguel with so much knowledge is rare and I wouldn't expect anything less from you. Thanks for bringing us these majestic, beautiful wild Pumas.

[@diannajepson8708]

Such beautiful creatures!

[@gaelanubis]

I know how it can be frustrating, but you came back home withe somme good pictures!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you! I’m still positive and grateful for the experience. I just don’t want to paint a pretty picture and just show you what my lens sees.

[@gaelanubis]

@@DaniConnorWild I get it ;-)

[@robwasnj]

Your honest take on the trip is so refreshing, you have such integrity. Been in similar situations and sometimes it's about a lot more than just getting the shot. If I know a shot was staged it just detracts from my love of it even if it's my own.

[@adam.bilton]

Appreciate the honesty. I think integrity is probably more important than the photography these days. Thank you for sharing your work!

[@johanmolin3213]

Thank you ever so much again. dear Danni and Juan! I especially appreciate your very honest comments on the pros and cons of this experience, and your deep respect for nature and its integrity. With that said: 1. There is a stuffed puma at the museum of Höganäs in Southern Sweden. It was a doctor, a GP, many many years ago going for a hunting trip to South America and shooting a female puma - but discovering that she had a pup. He brought it home to Sweden and named it "Bob". In the end he found out that the youngster was female. Obviously there are lots of stories about Doctor Alling and his puma in town. 2. So now, I'm eagerly awaiting your photo shoot of Swedish lynx. That would be quite an accomplishment, since they are so shy! But there are people keeping track of them, so such an achievement would be something else! All the best of luck to you and Juan for the future!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you for sharing! I’d love to find Lynx in Sweden! I need to start searching the mountains for tracks!

[@DelphiAmnestied]

I don't think it would have come out better than this in winter. There's a lot of people taking photos and making nature videos, and I don't know how you do it, but nobody comes close to you. The colors, the luminosity, the scene, everything... just amazing. You need more sponsors.

[@christopherevans4743]

Loved watching the magnificent Puma but my highlight was the armadillo. thank you for sharing.

[@JohnKrill]

Thanks!

[@DaniConnorWild]

That’s extremely generous, thank you John

[@mishkybishky]

Beautiful cats ❤ thank you

[@berge_und_meer_fotografie]

Pumas are beautiful and fascinating animals

[@Chilliy_Serenity]

Amazing to watch...Thank you Dani🥰

[@CrystiStevenson]

They are absolutely stunning creatures, wow! Thank you for a beautiful video per usual, Dani! ❤️

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you so much!

[@alex_nita]

Thanks, Dani, for your work

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you for watching 😌

[@kelvinsmallwood6315]

Thanks Dani for the incredible photos & videos & insight to your trip. I agree about being in crowds. It makes for awkward photography. People must always make a noise & they go to these places just to say they have been to them.

[@Bxx627]

Keep this world growing I want to live there with your peaceful art ……

[@jesusvasquez1859]

You are lucky, I’ve been there twice for a total of 7 days and only one puma sight, a mother and cub , beautiful and imposing animals , cheers !

[@colinboniface194]

Your cinematic skills are superb... While the individual trip may not pay for itself, it most certainly adds depth to your portfolio... That can be priceless...

[@jarmo3171]

Kiitos!

[@andreaschudzinski-buchholz4221]

Such incredibly beautiful photos of incredibly beautiful cats, thank you Dani and also for your thoughts about taking photos in the national park 🐆❤️

[@RavenStorm1031]

I think the pictures you managed to get were incredibly beautiful!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you!

[@albe2002]

Amazing footages!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Many thanks! 🤩

[@matt_7617]

Wow 😮 Dani, you’ve become a professional photographer! Absolutely amazing

[@DaniConnorWild]

Wow, thank you! 🤩

[@mariocostella2284]

Complimenti Dani, è un servizio ben fatto con animali incredibili.

[@user-yv8kd2jo2x]

I really enjoyed this episode. Amazing work video and photos. I'd love to see more like this...

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you!

[@vivianelabelle3992]

Puma are very beautiful!🐆❤ Thank you for making us travel through your videos and admire the beauty of nature.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you too ☺️

[@extremechimpout]

I love it when Dani says Pumas

[@DaniConnorWild]

Poo-mas

[@kelleyreardon]

The pumas are so gorgeous. I love your footage. Thanks for being transparent and sharing all of the details of your experience!

[@richardfink7666]

A very honest Video.

[@DD-ew9dm]

Hey Dani, stay positive. Not every advanture can be the best. Thank you for the wonderful video and your honest words. Wish you the best. Best regards from germany, Daniel.

[@DaniConnorWild]

I’m positive! I just wanted to share a realistic review. It’s easy to think from KZbin videos or even TV, that it’s just a camera person and the wildlife but in reality there’s many people who also want to see the wildlife. And it’s important we find a way to allow everyone access to nature and balance not causing too much impact or disturbance.

[@DD-ew9dm]

@@DaniConnorWild Your right and I'm thankful that you share your experiences with us.

[@imkecolshorn9316]

Danke!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Wow, thank you! That’s very kind of you ✨

[@cindystechschulte1487]

I love the way they move

[@glennwoods2462]

I think you got to see the Puma's very naturally, and got some exceptional pictures.... The armadillo video was very cool... Deeply appreciate your vlogs... Muchos gracias 🙏🙏

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks a lot! I was like 😮🤯 when the armadillo showed up! So cool!

[@SquirrelTheater]

Simply magnificent cats in an awe inspiring video. Brilliant! 🌹

[@annetteu.7226]

Thank you so much, Dani, for honestly sharing your experience with us! Even though this trip turned out as being a little disappointing for you, the video is still very beautiful and those pumas are so majestic. I also liked the amardillo a lot 😍😃.

[@FrantisekSchejbal]

WOW Dani! I am - like a physical 70 old human woman is/are very impressed of your insight of NATURE. It is not HE... IT is SHE.!!!

[@cuppajavaplease]

Wonderful, Dani! Pumas are such majestic and beautiful creatures. Thank you for this!

[@john.l1504]

Hi Dani...very lovely movie as always with wild life movies...😊👍🏼

[@CanonEurope]

Goosebumps

[@anotherchannel589]

Beautiful video Dani.... As always. Thank you for your videos.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you too!

[@airwavesfromholland]

Thank you Dani for another relaxing video.

[@DaniConnorWild]

My pleasure 😊

[@johnmedici6655]

This is a nice change from filming squirrels! It's amazing how Pumas pay no to humans, and they are beautiful animals ❤️

[@IsobelRose-du1oc]

Thank you for sharing your honest opinion of your trip. You did get beautiful shots of the pumas. What magnificent animals. Love the jumper you had in when you were telling us about your experience.

[@gw7477]

nice kitties

[@kashesan]

These animals are so beautiful its almost unbelievable. The eyes and neck, poetry in motion. (Good job Dani!) The rich tourist version of the photography visit is sort of nauseating. Too many people with too little manners and respect. Its unfortunately a business now.

[@DaniConnorWild]

I love seeing how their shoulders move. They’re just so cool! Tourists just need to be educated on how to behave I think. We can all stay calm and watch wildlife peacefully.

[@shaws_light]

Another helpful video from Dani. Keep going!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks a lot!

[@bill9540]

I just had to congratulate you on the capture at 06:19…the composition of that shot is simply stunning…congratulations on that Dani🥳

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks so much! ✨

[@liqueweave]

It is said that cat videos are most popular on KZbin. ;) Really enjoyed the scenes in this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@rodrigoshariff]

Beautiful images Dani, thank you for capturing and sharing. I hope eventually you do get every dollar back and way more from these incredible images.

[@DaniConnorWild]

That’s ok! I was more interested in the experience and opportunity to see pumas!

[@wyrdlg]

Perhaps a calendar might help to get some earnings back? I'd buy one!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Yes, new calendars will be announced soon! 😉

[@macphotonatura2274]

Your pumas are wonderful like all felines, for too long now I have only observed mammals. Congratulations for your photo shoot; I'm also thinking of getting back on the plane and leaving Italy forever. Best regards!

[@michaelcorrigan5232]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts as well as some amazing photos

[@cindystechschulte1487]

So great Dani. I'm just learning how varied Puma coloring can be.

[@sandagers71]

Wow!

[@jarmo3171]

Thank You Dani for excellent views from Patagonia and story behind the trip.

[@alanaUK]

Glorious Dani ❤

[@frstesiste7670]

I went to Patagonia fairly early in the season, think it was mid/late September. Also quite a few years ago so don't know how much it say about current situation but not a lot of people. Hope you don't lose too much on the trip and it might also create opportunities for more work in the future.

[@DaniConnorWild]

It was still a beautiful experience that I’m grateful to have. I’m a tourist too, but I always want to do what’s best for the wildlife.

[@frstesiste7670]

Agree Patagonia is special, always wanted to go back but it would be a quite expensive trip.

[@camcoh1001]

Dani I'm not a photographer but can I please say your photos of the Pumas were extradorinary....beautiful photos.

[@Kim-J312]

Think positive about making your money back. You can make a calendar of patagonia and individual pictures to sell ❤😊

[@DaniConnorWild]

Haha. I always say my beautiful squirrels help fund my wildlife adventures. This is my job thanks to them! When I plan my big trips, I usually just want to make even but I saw this as an incredible opportunity I didn’t want to miss.

[@wildphil]

Thanks for putting the series of videos together, Dani. I especially appreciate your honest thoughts at the end of this video, especially around the crowds. Mountain Lions are awesome and are on my bucket list - maybe one day I'll get lucky!

[@warriorpitbull1170]

Great work, Dani. I'm sorry you had a disappointing experience, but the images are amazing and I enjoy your video and editing. Thank you.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks, a little disappointing but overall positive and grateful for the experience. Just trying to share a realistic story!

[@joejames4231]

Beautiful video Dani and congratulations on getting some gorgeous video and stills of these majestic cats. Personally if I had seen that many Pumas over seven days I’d be thrilled, all big cats except lions are really tough so you did amazing. I might get half a dozen decent sightings of leopards during a two week Africa trip with 2-3 of those producing good shots. Oh and that sunrise……that’s one to die for 👍

[@DaniConnorWild]

Yes, we did have some exceptional encounters in the end and I’m glad I did five days in the end. You really can’t predict when those amazing encounters will happen! But I definitely think winter is the best time to visit for puma photography.

[@georgemartin1498]

Beautiful Dani, thank you 😊. Pretty clear to me that the gorgeous Pumas of Patagonia have commercialized and acclimated to humans. I live in Colorado and have these cats in my neighborhood but in nearly thirty years of living here have only seen them twice(and I am regularly hiking/climbing. Also, as a weekly visitor to Rocky Mountain National Park(which I still assiduously try to avoid in summer/high season) anywhere there are tour buses are places to be avoided. I’m sure you know this but I mention it out of empathy. I’m well experienced with “wildlife jams”😅

[@donaldredline975]

Another awesome video, THANK YOU

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you!

[@ernstoud]

What do squirrels and pumas have in common? Dani!

[@DaniConnorWild]

😂😂😂

[@vfox_sonnic2524]

This is an amazing video Dannniii.. 🤞👌📹📸📱🍕🍩☕🚬🍷🌏❤️

[@roland-heine]

Thank you Dani for this amazing video and your thoughts to that kind of tourism. For myself I like to feel nature and take fotos of wildlife when I am alone or with my family or a friend. The greatest problems is there are many hotspots around the world, the tourist come in great groups and everybody wants to take a foto and postet in the web.

[@bombadil776]

great shots!

[@otter736]

What magnificent animals….Thanks so much for the terrific video !!

[@DaniConnorWild]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@datalasse]

Great video showing those amazing pumas. Great photography and editing. Dani, thanks for sharing.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks for watching!

[@BMW7series251]

As said Dani, beautiful video. Thanks for posting, regards, John.

[@simeonbennettphotography]

Exceptional video Dani 👏🏻

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thanks!! 🤩

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Evening Dani❤❤

[@DC9V]

It seems like mother nature managed to invoke enough ghost power to keep us damn humans away from the pumas. The shots you brought home are amazing, though. And so is your story.

[@710LL59]

wow I would love to see one , great photography what a thrill and honor to film one of these creatures. I know your from Sweden I think no big cats there i dont think maybe lynx

[@cditfurth]

Great! Thank you!

[@KristaMarkstrom]

Incredible! Thank you!

[@peppermint8097]

Every single video of you touches me so much. Greetings from Germany.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Glad you like them!

[@lynnecliffe3056]

It's good to put out an honest appraisal.

[@PhotoTrekr]

I can understand your frustration. I always say it's hard to get animals to pose for pictures. But, patience pays off. You got some great photos and video.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Yes! Thank you! Of course it’s an experience I will never forget!

[@thow5463]

such a beautiful vid 😊 i'm now totally relaxed, thank you so much

[@GiuseppeGessa]

Great gameplay!! I played with the first one and it was amazing!

[@davidandrewellis6133]

Love your photos and video thanks

[@kforest2745]

Yes beautiful

[@aurikelgeigerin5535]

Absolut great, amazing Dani 🤩

[@robertneven7563]

Thanks for this video, it is today 21-june 2024 in Europe only 16 degrees celsuis, enyo your trip

[@drifter3166]

Hi Dani, another amazing wildlife video with amazing animals, thanks for sharing... Hey Snow leopards are also amazing beautiful animals too.. it would be great if you could capture some of them on camera on your travels.. they're very elusive tho but I'm sure a local guide would help you out.. what beautiful animals they are.

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you very much! I think it is now a little easier to photograph snow leopards. That would be an amazing adventure.

[@PierreSimonsson]

wow the most amaizing videos and pictures of theese woderfull Cats :D this is National Geographic Stuff. :)

[@gregoryyim6953]

Thank you for your honest description of your experience. I too will be going to Patagonia for a week after an Antarctic cruise in December. I see that you used a Canon RF 400mm f2.8. I am trying to decide whether to bring my Canon RF 600mm f4 or a smaller RF 100-500 f4.5-7.1. Do you have a recommendation between these 2? I am also using an R5. I will have a guide and tracker and myself for the Estancia Laguna Amarga. I'm staying at a hotel on the eastern side of Torres del Paine.

[@carmmk6630]

🍃Sorry to hear about your experience with trying to photograph Pumas in Patagonia. It is unfortunate that the park hasn't outline protocals for guides and the tourists who come in buses. This drives me up the wall when this happens even if I just go hiking and then a bus load of people invade the quiet beautiful space. I learned to go on the off seasons to places now and use recommended local guides it makes a difference in the overall experience. Dani you got some amazing pictures of the Pumas I am confident you will do well with them. 😊🍃

[@DaniConnorWild]

Thank you for sharing. There’s a way to observe wildlife in an ethical, calm way even in large groups. I was on a university trip in Costa Rica and even a large calm and quiet group of students were able to observe tapir and spider monkeys in the wild. Torres del Paine is already very popular and perhaps what I’ve learned from this experience is to focus on less known locations.

[@carmmk6630]

@@DaniConnorWild I agree there are ways to observe wildlife in an ethical way even in a large group when it is guided with mindful leaders. Yes, focusing on less popular locations is wise, but now a days that is getting more challenging, not impossible if you time it well. Keep up the great work.

[@georgemason2472]

Some gorgeous shots!

[@doncallahan456]

Beautiful photos and video!

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

I know I’ll love this video so I’ll just write this here after watching only for 2 seconds: Amazing video! …and I did! Maybe even more than I thought I would if that’s possible. Double amazing video!

[@ZzedZed]

Stunning! xxx