We are sad to announce that Shasta VI passed away from a progressive spinal disease on Thursday, August 4. He represented the spirit and tenacity of UH’s students and alumni, and personified the resilience and strength of the University. As a five-week-old cub, Shasta VI was moved to the houstonzoo after his mother was illegally killed by a hunter in 2011. For over 10 years he served as the University of Houston's first live mascot since Shasta V in 1989. For the past 10 years, Shasta VI played a pivotal role in cherished University traditions. Each fall and spring, he guarded the rings of hundreds of hard-working and accomplished UH students. All of the rings would be placed in a UH-themed box, which would spend the day in Shasta’s habitat. Thank you, Shasta VI, for serving as a symbol of Cougar pride for our Houston community. #Shasta #UniversityOfHouston #TrueWellEverBe