Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas - Pantanal - Brazil

The day was gone. We were going through the same places all over again. The low light conjured along the bank and my tired eyes could see a jaguar under every branch. When the wind blew into leaves, lights and shadows were dancing on sandy beaches. As if everything around got to move. And suddenly he was there. It was not just a play of light, but real stains on the fur. He picked up his head lazily and looked at us. After a couple of days on water with Ailton I have learnt to help him with boat manipulation. I have thrown out the anchor and released under my feet the rope attached to the boat. That is how I got the boat in the most convenient position for photography. If the animal turned up-stream, Ailton was ready at the engine. We were stuck like this in the middle of the current about thirty metres from the jaguar´s shelter. Inside myself I have tried to persuade him: „Come this way, you have to take this way.“ He stood up, yawned, stretched his body and moved from beneath of the brushes directly to my camera. Then he crossed a little beach and disappeared. Lovely and giant male. The sunset came. I was sitting yet for a while and almost did not breathe. I even did not have enough courage to control the pictures on the display of my camera.

The Jaguar Expedition 2011 was held in collaboration with the Czech fashion brand Bushman, www.bushman.cz.

Pictures in this gallery came in existence thanks to high professionality and great knowledge of nature of Mr. Ailton Lara. Cooperation with this best jaguar trekker in Pantanal I can highly recommend to everyone. More info www.pantanalnature.com.br