Cougar

Did you know?
That the mountain lion is found over a wider range than any other mammal in the western hemisphere?

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Why do zoos keep this animal

Although locally rare or extinct, the cougar is not yet an endangered species. It is kept primarily by zoos in North, Central and South America for educational reasons because it is an important element of their native fauna. In Europe and elsewhere the cougar has become rare in zoos as it has largely been replaced by endangered cat species, such as snow leopard.

How this animal should be kept

Legal requirements for the keeping of cougars vary greatly from country to country. Even if lower national standards apply, it is recommended that an outdoor enclosure of 500 m² per pair, or a female with offspring if kept separate, should be provided. The enclosure should be enlarged by 50 m² for each additional adult. Most cougars kept in cold and temperate zones originate from mountain ranges in North or southern South America and are thus fairly cold resistant, needing only a simple shelter with sleeping dens. Enclosures should be at least 3.5 m high.

Outdoor enclosures should be well drained. They should have natural soil with a grass cover or a layer of sand, marly limestone, gravel or similar substrate. Enclosures must not be empty but suitably furnished to meet the cougar's needs such as the following: Visual barriers to enable the cougars to hide from one another, e.g. rises/dips in the ground, logs, rocks, plantings, but these should not allow one cat to corner another, there should always be an escape route. Trees for scratching and shade, but not too near the fence unless the top of the enclosure is secured by a net. Platforms for sitting on and overlooking a view - if possible, one in the shade and one in the sun. Plants that smell strong and/or attract insects add interest. There must be several resting places, such as niches or caves, providing some protection from inclement weather.

Cougars are solitary animals and should be kept alone, in pairs or small groups of compatible animals. Females giving birth should be separated and should be kept separate while rearing unless the other animals of the group are known to be tolerant towards the youngsters. There should be a cubbing den; dry, dark, quiet, warm, draught-free, positioned in the least disturbed part of the facility. A wooden den in this for giving birth is an option but not essential if the den is well designed. A low-light video camera in this is good if there is the money for it. A keeper spyhole is an option instead but take care that using it does not disturb the mother.

Access to outside enclosure for regular cleaning should be through either the indoor facility or a lock chamber so that there is more security. There should be at least two lockable doors between a cat and the outside world at any time. Doors should open inward; that way if a door is not locked and a cat pushes on it, it stays closed. There can also be a large gate directly from the outside enclosure to the outside world for occasional use when wanting to bring in a new tree or large log or other cage furniture.

The diet should consist of entire carcases, meat on the bone, eventually with skin, supplemented with mineral salts and vitamins, and occasionally by-products. In North America commercial diets consisting of minced meat with mineral and vitamin supplements are available. Such feed is, however, not deemed to be in compliance with animal welfare regulations of many countries in Europe and possibly elsewhere. When feeding poultry, it should be considered that all large cats are susceptible to virulent strains of avian influenza.