In August, the University of Houston’s beloved live mascot and school symbol Shasta VI passed away, ending an era for the Coogs and the Houston Zoo.
But now, in a true reminder of nature's circle of life, two cougar cubs have relocated to the Bayou City to carry on the longstanding, cherished UH/Houston Zoo tradition.
The Houston Zoo has rescued and relocated two male — and impossibly cute — cubs, according to joint announcements. The orphaned duo was discovered by a rancher on his property. The rancher contacted Washington State Fish & Wildlife Services, which determined the cubs — estimated at one month old at the time — would not survive the wild on their own.
These brothers were then sent to the Houston Zoo, which has named them Shasta VII and Louie; they are both eight weeks old now and will be ambassadors for UH and the zoo while residing permanently in their zoo habitat.
Shasta VII has apparently established himself as the big brother/alpha leader of the two. Calm and confident, Shasta often sleeps or rests with a paw over Louie, zoo staffers note — a true "awwww" moment.
As Shasta VII and Louie grow accustomed to their handlers and new home, fans will be invited to meet them. Meanwhile, Cougar alum and zoo faithful can stay up-to-date on the brothers via the zoo's social channels.
Notably, UH students can visit the zoo — and cubs — for free by reserving tickets here.
This welcome arrival comes as the zoo mourns the loss of both of its cougars, Shasta VI and Haley, this year. A statement promises that the zoo will honor and remember Shasta VI and Haley, all while welcoming these two furry new residents.
Photo by Eric Berg
Shasta VII (left) and his brother Louie are the new zoo residents.
