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

Location
The Cougar Mountain Zoo is located in the alpine City of Issaquah, Washington, on the north facing slope of Cougar Mountain, providing a view of Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountain Range.

Founding statement
According to the zoos' founder, Peter A. Rittler, its founding statement is: "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(c)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 Zoo was founded by Peter and Marcie Rittler in 1972. To assure the future of the Zoo, in 1990 the Rittlers gave the Zoo to the Zoological Society of Washington, a non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to wildlife conservation. Since 1990 the Society has assumed the responsibility of managing and funding the Zoo. Through its educational programs, the Cougar Mountain Zoo promotes wildlife conservation and appreciation.

Collection
The primary focus of the Zoo is centered on conservation through education and endangered species. The Animals, which call the Zoo home, are considered Ambassadors of their wild Kin and have developed a self-assured attitude toward humans. The Zoo Collection features 32 exhibits/habitats including major exhibits and other habitats concentrating on endangered, threatened and unique species such as Tigers, Lemurs, Wolves, Reindeer, Cranes, Wallabies, Macaws, Cougars and more.

Education programs
Zoo Education programs, presentations and demonstrations are held 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/Visitor Info/Admission

Fine arts gallery
The Magnani Nature Gallery located on the Zoo grounds features bronze statues, paintings and prints depicting subjects in nature.

Wildlife Tracks Library
Contains a collection of animal tracks and silhouettes engraved on stone tablets.

Magic Forest
Contains a collection of bronze animal statues and habitats where visitors can feed the animals.

Bronze statue collection
Monument size bronze statues depicting wild animals such as 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 are situated throughout the Zoo.

Museum
Features a collection of wildlife and other paraphernalia.

Living Classroom Program
This 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.

Tiger Tunnel
Glass walled tunnel enabling visitors to view tigers in close proximity. In 2011 the Zoo made news when a 370-pound tiger named "Taj" played what onlookers reported as "patty cake" through the glass wall with a visiting toddler.

Issaquah Reindeer Festival
Held in December as a non-denominational holiday event featuring Santa, Santa's reindeer team, Santa's other animal helpers that call the Zoo home and holiday activities.

Earth Day – April
Celebrating planet Earth with programs and activities held throughout the day.

Mountainside Concert – August
Held in August and featuring music by local musicians.

Fine Art Show – September
Featuring local and other artists, representing a variety of media. Indoor and outdoor displays located throughout the Zoo grounds.