10 episodes
Missing Panther Ben Beed
-
- Arts
Did a 13 year old country boy find baby black panther cubs in the Australian bush? When Ben discovered three unidentified newborn creatures high up in a Willow Tree when he was a thirteen year old kid, the mystery would haunt him for the rest of his life. Ben, now a grown man with a family finally wants to go on an investigative journey and find out more about the mystery panther sightings which have been reported across Australia since the early 1800's. Ben will speak with experts, zoologists, witnesses, skeptics and historians to uncover some of the theories as to how these large cats may have come to be on our shores. The only species of cat meant to be in Australia is the introduced felis catus (house cat). So what are thousands of people seeing? And why have we yet to get any definitive proof? Regardless of what you believe you might just change your mind. Come on this wild ride with us you will truly be amazed.
-
Episode 9 - Cougar Country (Part 2)
Ben continues following the path of David O'Reilly's investigation down in Cordering during the late 70's. Ben interviews some of the farmers who were around at the time and were able to shed some light on their experiences with stock kills and big cat sightings. David O'Reilly was skeptical on the idea of big cats in the South West until he took on one of the deepest dives into Australian Big Cats by any journalist until this day. Welcome to Cougar Country.
Support the show -
Episode 8 - Cougar Country (Part 1)
Ben follows the journey of the late David O'Reilly into the big cat phenomenon of Western Australia. David O'Reilly was the head journalist for The Australian newspaper branch in Perth back in the late 70's. On a slow news week David deviated from his normal interest of political affairs and decided he'd investigate some farmers claims in the small rural community of Cordering that Cougars had been killing their stock. This decision had David obsessing over the story for years to come and eventually went on to write what is now labelled a cult classic - Savage Shadow.
Support the show -
Episode 7 - Big Cats Victoria (part 2)
Ben continues his big cat investigation down in Victoria and once again finds some very interesting stories both past and present. Ben also comes across some interesting evidence of a black leopard living in the Otways in the early 90's.
Support the show -
Episode 6 - Big Cats Victoria (Part 1)
Big cats have been reported in almost every corner of Victoria for over a century now. Are we getting closer to finding out the truth with new and improved technology? Or will these elusive creatures continue to evade us?
Support the show -
Episode 5 - The Hawkesbury Files
Every time Ben records an interview for a big cat sighting they go into location folders. One folder was filling up quite fast.... The Hawkesbury Files.
Find out why.
Support the show -
Episode 4 - The Fugitives
Is it possible that big cats may have escaped from zoos and or circuses across Australia? Ben takes a look at a few stories which may help us understand the possibilities of what can go wrong in order for panthers or big cats to get to the other side of their enclosure.
Support the show