# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DZfL7dXn9dZ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66787189-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b13107a8fc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-06-12T13:20:20.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

Happy #NationalCougarDay from your favourite Zoo pair 🐾

Today is an opportunity for us to celebrate and raise awareness about one of North America’s most iconic predators. Cougars play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by helping to balance wildlife populations and supporting biodiversity across their range. 

As habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts continue to impact wild cougar populations, this day encourages us to learn more about these elusive cats and the challenges they face in the wild. The cougar is also commonly referred to as a puma or mountain lion and unlike many other big cats, the cougar is not a species that will roar. However, this large feline will purr like a house cat 🐈

Nearly 4-year-old male resident Bowen recently mastered voluntarily presenting himself for injections, allowing Wildlife Care to administer treatments without restraint. This is a significant achievement that supports positive animal well-being, while reducing stress. In fact, it’s one of his favourite behaviours to demonstrate! Bowen also enjoys interacting with a winch-operated feeding pole, which encourages natural hunting and exploration behaviours. Both cougars continue to excel in their training.

At almost 12 years of age, Teeka is impressing our team with her intelligence and problem-solving abilities. She enthusiastically works through enrichment challenges and has a special fondness for rolling and playing with her favourite enrichment items, especially balls. Our Wildlife Care team is continuing to monitor Teeka’s well-being through on-going physiotherapy, behavioural observations, and medication adjustments. She remains highly engaged in her daily training and enrichment programs. Future plans may include trialing a new injectable medication and incorporating laser therapy as part of her care.

When they’re not training or exploring, both of these beautiful cats can often be found relaxing in cozy hammocks or nestled into comfortable hay beds 💤

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 1,878
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## Tags

nationalcougarday

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