Most People Don’t Know About This Underrated Zoo Hiding In Washington
By Sherri Adams|Published February 14, 2023
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Sherri Adams
Author
Sherri Adams is a writer, photographer, and travel enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. She has always been passionate about writing and the opportunities for connection through the written word. When she’s not writing, you can often find her at the seashore with her toes in the sand and her nose in a book.
Washingtonians have a love for nature and an appreciation for the animals with whom we are fortunate to share our world. The Evergreen State is home to a number of farms, zoos, and aquariums to visit and view a variety of wildlife. But did you know there is a small, underrated animal sanctuary hiding in Issaquah where you can get up close to wolves, native mountain lions, and other big cats? If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate wild animal experience with a heart for education and conservation, look no further than Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah.
Nestled on 11 acres on the northern slope of Cougar Mountain, the Cougar Mountain Zoo has been educating visitors on animal conservation since 1972.
For over 50 years, the Cougar Mountain Zoo has had a mission to provide wildlife education, focusing primarily on endangered species and conservation efforts.
The world's largest canid is listed on the Federal Endangered Species List due to habitat destruction and illegal poaching. Cougar Mountain Zoo has been doing its part to conserve this beautiful animal by educating visitors in the hopes of increasing understanding of these irreplaceable creatures.
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Zookeepers and interns work hard to educate visitors on the importance of animal conservation.
Education starts at the preschool level with Cougar Mountain Zoo's Living Classroom. Schools and Youth programs are invited to view the zoo as a living classroom with a personalized curriculum designed to educate children and youth on the importance of wildlife conservation.
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A number of Animal Encounter experiences are available if you want to get up close and personal with the residents of Cougar Mountain Zoo.
Animal Encounters are specialized, guided tours with the utmost emphasis on safety. For a minimum donation, you'll get a rare glimpse into the animal's habitats and view their unique social behaviors.
Learn about the zoo's tigers in a protected environment, under the guidance of Cougar Mountain Zoo's Tiger Keepers. Observe tigers playfully socializing in their world-class habitat in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
During the Reindeer Encounter, you'll get to feed the herd special treats, observe their behavior, and learn what makes them unique among other species of deer.
Wildlife education isn't limited to your visit to Cougar Mountain Zoo.
Whether you're experiencing a special animal encounter or enjoying a self-guided tour of the zoo, there are plenty of zookeepers on hand who are happy to answer your questions about wildlife conservation. But the fun doesn't end there. Cougar Mountain Zoo is passionate about wildlife education and invites you to check out the ZOO2U program, a series of continuing education videos to watch at home. Learn about exotic birds, alpacas, wallabies, and more in this informative series.
Get an intimate look at the zoo’s residents, and educate yourself on the importance of wildlife conservation at Cougar Mountain Zoo. One glimpse into the eyes of these animals, and you’ll understand why Cougar Mountain Zoo is so passionate about protecting these magnificent creatures. For current hours, rates, and details on field trips, and Animal Encounters, check out the Cougar Mountain Zoo website and Facebook page. To view animals of aquatic nature, check out the Seattle Aquarium.
Have you visited Cougar Mountain Zoo? Did you take part in any of the Animal Encounters? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
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