Cougars need very large enclosures at zoos. Cougars weigh anywhere between 75 to 250 lbs. and are between 3 1/2 and 6 1/2 feet long. They are also very territorial animals, requiring a need for more space. Male cougars have territories in the wild that reach up to 100 square miles. Females usually have smaller territories within the male's territory. Zoos need to have enough space to accommodate the size and territorial behavior of these animals.
The diet of wild cougars consists of deer, birds, elk and other animals smaller than themselves. Zoos must accommodate their carnivorous diet. Most zoos usually feed cougars fish, mice, animal hides and sometimes even whole animal carcasses.
The widest ranging cat in the western hemisphere, cougars can be found in Florida, the western United States, western Canada and Central and South America. Wild cougars prefer habitats with dense vegetation, so cougar enclosures should be filled with plenty of trees and vegetation. Cougars make dens in caves or rocky areas for resting in the wild. Zoos also need to accommodate the need for these dens in captivity.
One example of a zoo cougar habitat is at the Oregon Zoo. The Cougar Crossing Exhibit, which opened in 2006, cost $685,000. The enclosure is very large at 4,260 square feet. The enclosure is filled with dense trees and a canyon. The trees provide shelter.Three cougars live in this exhibit: one male, his female mate and their new female cub. Besides the dense trees, there is also a heated den where the cougars can relax and there are numerous rock wall ledges and perches for the cougars to climb and explore.