Misty at CougarMountainZoo

Conflict of interest

Hello, CougarMZoo. We welcome your contributions, but if you have an external relationship with the people, places, or things you have written about in the article Cougar Mountain Zoo, you may have a conflict of interest (COI). Editors with a COI may be unduly influenced by their connection to the topic, and it is important when editing Wikipedia articles that such connections be completely transparent. See the conflict of interest guideline and FAQ for organizations for more information. In particular, we ask that you please:

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Please take a few moments to read and review Wikipedia's policies regarding conflicts of interest, especially those pertaining to neutral point of view, sourcing and autobiographies. Thank you. Aspects (talk) 04:50, 13 July 2017 (UTC)

Trying to revise/update this page with complete and current information so that it is similar in content to most if not all pages about other Zoo's on Wikipedia

I work for the Zoological Society of Washington (ZSW) and using the content provided to me by the ZSW Board of Directors, we would like to completely revise this article about Cougar Mountain Zoo to provide more current and detailed information. Our intent is not to violate any Wikipedia policies. We are not Wikipedia experts and unfortunately do not know what we can/can't do apparently. And it appears that learning how and/or what we can/can't do could be a very lengthy and time consuming process.

Can you tell me how other the other Zoo's were able to edit their pages and provide such detailed information without violating Wikipedia policies specifically COI? And would it be easier to converse vie email? If so, the best email address is admin@cougarmountainzoo.org. What follows is a copy of almost everything (except the info box and pictures) that we would like to have in the Cougar Mountain Zoo article instead of the current content. The info box will also need a major revision as soon as possible. And we will be adding numerous pictures throughout the article as soon they become available. Thank you in advance for your time.

Cougar Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden located on Cougar Mountain in Issaquah, Washington USA.

Location

The Cougar Mountain Zoo is centrally located in the friendly alpine City of Issaquah, Washington. Nestled on the north facing slope of Cougar Mountain, the scenic grounds offer a breathtaking view of Lake Sammamish and the rugged Cascade Mountain Range.

Founding Statement

‘No Wild Animal belongs in captivity, Zoo Animals are instruments of the educational process representing that last and vital frontier through which their Wild brethren may be saved from extinction.’

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Cougar Mountain Zoo And Zoological Society of Washington, a non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable 501©3 organization, is to increase the understanding and appreciation of the Earth’s irreplaceable wildlife and the role of humanity in nature through education, conservation, propagation and exhibition.

Motto

‘Conservation through Education’

History

The manifestation of their deep devotion to all creatures large and small, the Cougar Mountain Zoo was founded by Peter and Marcie Rittler in 1972. To assure a long-lasting future for the Zoo, in 1990 the Rittlers gave the Zoo to the Zoological Society of Washington, a non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable 50(c)3 organization dedicated to wildlife conservation. Since 1990 the Society has assumed the responsibility of managing and funding the Zoo. Through its broad array of educational programs, the Cougar Mountain Zoo is a major force in promoting wildlife conservation and appreciation.

Collection

The primary focus of the Zoo is centered on conservation through education, endangered species and providing a special experience for our visitors and friends. The Animals, which call the Zoo home are considered Ambassadors of their wild Kin and have developed a self-assured attitude toward humans, enabling visitors to take a deep glimpse into the beauty and mysteries of other life forms inhabiting our planet Earth.

The Zoo Collection features world class exhibits and other habitats concentrating on endangered, threatened and unique species such as Tigers, Lemurs, Wolves, Reindeer, Cranes, Wallabies, Macaws, Cougars and more.

Exhibits

The Cougar Mountain Zoo features 32 exhibits/habitats including flagship exhibits and other habitats, with some undergoing enhancement and/or construction. The Zoo is constantly expanding and puts forth a major effort to create the best environment for the Animals which call the Zoo home.

Notable Animals

In 1993 the Cougar Mountain Zoo became the home of a sickly baby mountain lion. Found orphaned in the mountains of northern California, he was given to the Zoo by the Department of Fish and Game. Through a naming contest he was given the name ‘Keegan’, meaning fiery in Gaelic. Keegan fought hard to regain his health. Due to his fighting spirit and the intense efforts by the Zoo he succeeded and became a glorious, strong, remarkable and intelligent cat of all cats.

Keegan’s growing up companion assigned to him was a fully grown 126 lb. Hungarian Komondor named Almos, known for his breeds impenetrable matted hair and protective disposition. It was love at first sight, they slept together, shared food, walked side by side on and off lead. With time, however, Keegan became larger than his protector and at 182 pounds started using his equipment to playfully torture his friend, which Almos would not tolerate. The relationship, however, lasted through time. Due to his striking presence, unique personality and tolerance of people, Keegan soon became a celebrity and the centerpiece of the media worldwide. Keegan attracted thousands of visitors to the Zoo and helped to fund the Zoo’s far reaching educational programs promoting Mountain Lions. The hundreds of articles and television programs featuring Keegan helped create a deeper public sentiment towards this American Treasure. Keegan has been places and attracted attention no other Cougar has, but above all he advanced and represented the cause of his wild kin as an Ambassador during his life.

Education Programs

The Cougar Mountain Zoo is proud to present the best in education, entertainment, fun and hospitality making each day a great value for visitors of all ages! Education programs, presentations and demonstrations are held continuously throughout the day and include subjects such as Reindeer Lecture and Enrichment, Crane Lecture and Enrichment, Lemur Lecture and Enrichment, Emu and Wallaby Lecture and Enrichment, Mammal Walk, Tiger Feeding, Lecture and Enrichment, Bird Show, Cougar Feeding, Lecture and Enrichment Bird Walk, Wolf Lecture and Enrichment, Macaw Lecture and Enrichment, Living Classroom Programs, Guided Tours, Outreach Presentations, Close Encounters and more.

Hours

Open Year Round – January through December
For detailed information see web site at www.CougarMountainZoo.org

Other Unique Features

The Cougar Mountain Zoo offers many unique, educational and fun activities and programs.

• Magic Forest - Visit this magical place where art and the beauty of wildlife merge to speak a common language. Enjoy the view, great photo opportunities, feed the animals, sit and relax and admire the largest bronze animal collection of any Zoo in the Country.

• Wildlife Tracks Library - Visit the one and only Wildlife Tracks Library in the world. Enrich your familiarity with Wildlife through sight and touch. Learn about animal tracks and use the Library as your source for identifying wildlife. Help the Library expand by sponsoring an engraved Library Tablet.

• Museum - The Wildlife Museum features a very unique collection of wildlife and paraphernalia. The purpose of the exhibits is to promote the cause of the earths’ vanishing wildlife. The exhibit pieces have been donated by private individuals, public agencies and other institutions to assist the Museum and the Zoo in the broad array of educational programs offered.

• Fine Arts Gallery - The Magnani Nature Gallery located on the Zoo grounds features original paintings, high quality prints, sculptures and unique craft items. One Man and Group shows also enhance the Gallery’s focus on the beauty and mysteries of the natural world.

• Bronze Statue Collection - Enjoy the largest Bronze Animal Zoo Art Collection in the world. These beautiful bronze statues are located throughout the Zoo and promote the cause of Wild Animals through the international language of art. The Collection includes Zebras, Cougars, Alligators, Macaws, Cranes, Cheetahs, Reindeer, Lions, Tigers Kangaroo, Rhino, Bear, Tortoise, Eagles, Elk, Elephants, Gorillas, Giraffes, Wild Boars, Antelope, Wolves, Dinosaurs and others. These monument size bronze statues also offer wonderful photo opportunities.

• Living Classroom Program - This unique membership based program is funded by the Zoological Society of Washington and is administered by the Cougar Mountain Zoo Education Department for students in Preschools, School Grades K through 12 and other Child or Youth oriented entities. In this Program each participating School, Child or Youth Entity can view the Zoo as its very own ‘Living Classroom’ with its own individualized curriculum.

Major Events

• Issaquah Reindeer Festival - Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays with family and friends! Take part in the most unique annual holiday celebration in the Northwest, offering excitement and fun for everyone! Santa’s very own Reindeer call the Cougar Mountain Zoo home all year round. During December, the Reindeer are featured along with Santa, of course. See all the wonderful Reindeer as you walk through their Farm, visit with Santa in his house, hear a story by an Elf, sit in the Grand Traveling Sleigh, feed Zoo treats to the Reindeer, check out the unique gift items in the Zoo Treasures Gift Shop and so much more.

• Woo at the Zoo (February) - Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your favorite Zoo Animals. Vote for your favorite Wild Sweetheart.

• Earth Day (April) - A day full of festivities celebrating the beauty of our planet Earth. Special programs and activities are held throughout the day.

• Mother’s Day (May) - A special day celebrating Mothers and Women in general. Each female visitor receives a flower. A special complimentary Tiger Tunnel visit is scheduled during the day for all visitors present from 1:pm to 2:00pm

• Father’s Day (June) - A special day celebrating Fathers and Men of all ages. Each male visitor receives a flower. A special Cougar Enrichment presentation is scheduled at 2:30pm honoring the day,

• Fourth of July - Celebrating Independence Day and the concept on which our Country was founded. The Zoo is decorated with a forest of flags and each Visitor receives a mini flag.

• Mountainside Concert (August) - Held in August. Enjoy music by local musicians to celebrate the mysteries and beauty of the natural world.

• Fine Art Show (September) - Featuring local and internationally known artists, representing a variety of media. Indoor and outdoor displays in a scenic setting throughout the Zoo grounds.

• Slither and Scream (October) - Dress up in your favorite costume and entertain the Zoo Animals. Enjoy a special Halloween Program at the Zoo with special spooky themed animal enrichments. View, touch and learn about a variety of reptiles on special exhibit.

References

Internal Zoo publications (brochures): See and Do; Living Classroom Education Program; Close Encounter; Education Program Manual; Guided Tours General Information; Engraved Paving Stones; Zoo Animal Adoption; Habitat Sponsorship; Zoo Membership, Birthday Celebrations; Zoo Map; Volunteer Opportunities; Intern Program, Issaquah Reindeer Festival

External links

• Media related to Misty at CougarMountainZoo at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website

Cougar Mountain Zoo 23:24, 13 July 2017 (UTC)

Your attention needed at WP:CHU

Hello. A renamer or clerk has responded to your username change request, but requires clarification before moving forward. Please follow up at your username change request entry as soon as possible. Thank you. Kostas20142 (talk) 10:33, 17 August 2017 (UTC)