Houston Zoo Cougar Cubs Make Public Debut
Double the cougar spirit at the Houston Zoo! Five-month-old cougar cubs Shasta VII and Louie made their official public debut today from their temporary home across from the black bears, a smaller habitat and just the right size for the growing cubs. Shasta and Louie spent a few days slowly adapting to their new surroundings as their keepers worked on teaching them how to voluntarily shift in and out of their new habitat. The cougars will eventually move into the Zoo’s cougar habitat once they are big enough for the larger space. In the meantime, guests, University of Houston students and alumni can see the cougars exploring their temporary home. Current UH students can visit the Zoo for free by reserving an online ticket and must show their student ID at entry.
During quarantine, Shasta VII and Louie were carefully monitored and treated for parasites they contracted in the wild. Until recently, the cubs remained behind the scenes while they received medical care, allowing them time to get comfortable with their caregivers. As they continue to grow so do their personalities. Shasta is more curious and adventurous while Louie can be seen on the heels of his brother. While the two are inseparable the best way to currently tell them apart is by their tail. Shasta has a thicker strip of black on his tail than Louie. Shasta is also a bit leaner while Louie has pinker nose. These physical traits are expected to change as the cubs get older.
The cubs came to the Houston Zoo in November after being found alone in Washington State. At an estimated four-weeks old, wildlife experts determined it was unlikely the orphaned cubs would survive on their own and within days they arrived at the Houston Zoo.
Shasta VII, as well as Louie, began their duties as faithful representatives of the University of Houston during the 2022 fall semester ring-guarding ceremony by guarding two ring boxes. In their short time at the Zoo the duo has shown their strength and resilience, a promising trait to be successful ambassadors for all cougars in the wild while carrying the responsibility of representing the cougar spirit of the University of Houston.
Welcome Home – The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is a beloved part of the city, providing a safe and comfortable environment for animals, as well as a place for families and friends to explore the wonders of nature. The zoo is located in Hermann Park, just outside of downtown Houston, and is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 different species.
The Houston Zoo has been around since 1922 and has gone through many changes and expansions since then. Today, the zoo is a modern and exciting place for visitors to explore. It features a variety of exhibits, including the African Savanna, the Children’s Zoo, the Reptile House, and the Rainforest. Each exhibit offers something unique and exciting to explore.
The African Savanna is the largest exhibit at the Houston Zoo and is home to animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. Visitors can get up close and personal with these animals and learn more about them. The Children’s Zoo is a great place for kids to explore and learn about animals in a fun and interactive way. The Reptile House is home to a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles, and the Rainforest exhibit takes visitors on a journey to the Amazon rainforest.
The Houston Zoo also offers educational programs, special events, and activities for visitors to enjoy. From educational classes to summer camps, the Houston Zoo is a great place for families to explore and learn about animals. The zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Zoo Lights holiday event and the Zoo Boo Halloween celebration.
The Houston Zoo is open year-round and admission is free for members. Non-members can purchase tickets online or at the gate. The zoo is a great place for families to explore and learn about animals, and it’s a great way to support animal conservation efforts.
Exploring the African Savanna
The African Savanna is the largest exhibit at the Houston Zoo and is home to a variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. Visitors can get up close and personal with these animals and learn more about them. The African Savanna also features a variety of interactive activities, such as feeding the giraffes, riding the camel, and taking a ride on the African Safari Train.
Educational Programs and Events
The Houston Zoo offers educational programs and activities for visitors to enjoy. From educational classes to summer camps, the Houston Zoo is a great place for families to explore and learn about animals. The zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Zoo Lights holiday event and the Zoo Boo Halloween celebration.
Supporting Animal Conservation
The Houston Zoo is a great place to support animal conservation efforts. The zoo works with local and international organizations to help protect endangered species and educate the public about animal conservation. Visitors can also purchase merchandise from the zoo’s gift shop to help support these efforts.
Conclusion
The Houston Zoo is a beloved part of the city, providing a safe and comfortable environment for animals, as well as a place for families and friends to explore the wonders of nature. From exploring the African Savanna to attending special events, the Houston Zoo is a great place for visitors to explore and learn about animals. The zoo also works to support animal conservation efforts and is a great way to support these efforts.
