"Conservation Through Education" The Cougar Mountain Zoo

 

"The cougar (Puma concolor), also commonly known as the mountain lion, puma, panther, or catamount, is a large felid of the subfamily Felinae native to the Americas." ~Wikipedia

In our study of animals, the Navigators and the Gemstones, have been learning about how and why scientists classify animals and about how and why we "treasure" these "treasures" (our overarching theme of the year.) 

When we choose where to go on our field trips, Mrs. Maitlen and I do our research and look for the biggest bang for our buck. Although neither of us had been to the Cougar Mountain Zoo, there were several things that caught our attention. And we were not disappointed! We had a great time and came home inspired and a bit wet. 

Here is a list of reasons we chose this zoo in no particular order:

Reason #1: Lots of up close encounters. 

Reason #2: It has cougars! Seabury is close to the Point Defiance Zoo so we decided to go somewhere new and different.

Reason #3: "A living classroom"

There are many well-informed, passionate volunteers to tell us about the animals.  

Reason #4: We always have fun with our friends!

Reason #5: When do you ever get to be close enough to a white Bengal tiger that there are warnings that you might get sprayed? 

 

Reason #6: It is a small, locally owned zoo. With the forecast of torrential rain, we had the place to ourselves. (Fortunately, the sun peeked through for most of our visit!)

Reason #7: It has the largest bronze animal zoo art collection of any zoo in the world.

Reason #8: It "represents a greenbelt in a the sea of development of the Puget Sound Region."

The wolves overlook the Issaquah Valley, Lake Sammamish, and I-405. 

Reason #9: It "educates and encourages thousands of zoo visitors to give to wildlife conservation."

Reason #10: We learn to respect wildlife. 

Here we are just pretending to howl like the nearby wolves. 

Reason #11: The zoo has many endangered species including this varecia variegata rubra!

Reason #12: The zoo is always improving. 

This home for the red-ruffed lemur will be renovated soon. 

Reason #12: No child left inside--outside lunch!

 

Reason #13: We get to pose by our favorite animals.

Reason #14: There is always something amazing and wonderful at a zoo!

Reason #15: The animals want to see us, too! (Notice the bird in the background begging for attention!)