Panther gets to explore at Lowry Park

Calusa "Lucy" explored her habitat at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo this morning.

She arrived at the zoo on Aug. 8 after being found abandoned by her mother in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Friday was her second day in her new habitat after treatment at the zoo's hospital.

"She's hugely entertaining at this point," said zoo veterinarian Dr. David Murphy. "And yet she has a huge conservation message."

- Chris Zuppa, Times staff