Will Burrard-Lucas is a 35 year-old wildlife photographer who has captured some pretty incredible images throughout his career. However, he just managed to capture a photo that many are saying is his best image yet!

While taking photos in the Laikipia Wilderness Camp in Kenya, Will was able to snap a photo of an incredibly rare and somewhat “mythical” black leopard. The images can only be described as hauntingly beautiful.

This type of panther has a black coat because of melanism, which is the opposite of albinism. The creature looks completely black at first, but if you look closely, you’ll see some amazing markings on it.

Will was able to capture these up close images by setting up camera traps around the camp. The cameras were equipped with wireless motion sensors, and even Will was surprised that they came out this good.

“I couldn’t believe it and it took a few days before it sank in that I had achieved my dream,” the photographer said.

Will got some help in this endeavor from biologist Nicholas Pilfold PhD.

“We had always heard about black leopard living in this region, but the stories were absent of high quality footage that could confirm their existence,” Nicholas said. “This is what Will’s photos and the videos on our remote cameras now prove, and are exceptionally rare in their detail and insight. Collectively these are the first confirmed images in nearly 100 years of black leopard in Africa, and this region is the only known spot in all of Africa to have black leopard.”

What a treat to see these photos of the elusive black leopard!