What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm Thursday 9:30am - 5pm Friday 9:30am - 5pm Saturday 10:30am - 5pm Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Cougar Mountain Zoo

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United States
Issaquah, WA
Cougar Mountain Zoo

Cougar Mountain Zoo specializes in educating visitors on the endangered species on this planet.

Let us extend a warm welcome from the Cougar Mountain Zoo, a wild and exciting place located in the friendly city of Issaquah, 15 miles East of Seattle. Our Zoo is nestled on the north facing slope of Cougar Mountain with a breathtaking view of the Cascade Mountain range and Lake Sammamish. We are dedicated to promoting the cause of the Earth's vanishing wildlife through the universal power of edu

cation. We consider our visitors as the guardians of our planet and put forth an unprecedented effort to give each visitor the utmost in personal attention and hospitality. Established in 1972 the primary focus of the Cougar Mountain Zoo is on endangered species and education. Many of the Zoo animals have been born or raised at the Zoo and have developed a self assured attitude toward humans, enabling visitors to take a deep glimpse into the beauty and mysteries of other life forms.

06/05/2026

Happy World Environment Day!

Make time to get outdoors and learn something new about wildlife. Join us at the zoo and celebrate the incredible species we share our world with.

06/04/2026

It’s Hug your cat day, so here’s cats you can’t hug!

06/03/2026

Happy Pride Month 🌈

Be yourself. Be proud. Be colorful. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

06/02/2026

You ever just have a really itchy nose? 🐽

05/30/2026

Meet our newest feathered residents, Mel and Syd! 🐣

These adorable emu chicks are between 4 and 6 weeks old and already keeping us entertained with their goofy personalities, long legs, and endless energy. Whether they’re zooming around their habitat or investigating something new, they’re always up to something!

One fun fact about emus: males and females look very similar, making it difficult to tell them apart just by appearance. Because emus aren’t too noticeably sexually dimorphic, we’re currently waiting on DNA test results to accurately identify each individual.

On nice weather days, you can spot Mel and Syd out on their habitat located between our large adult emu exhibit and the wallaby exhibit. Be sure to stop by and watch these energetic youngsters explore their world!

We can’t wait for you to meet them. 💚

05/29/2026

Welcome…to Emu Park! Hold onto your feathers! 🪶🦖

Are you excited to meet the newest members of the zoo?

05/26/2026

Recently we said goodbye to a very special member of our family, Lola the scarlet macaw. ❤️💛💙

At 50 years old, Lola lived an incredible life and far exceeded the average lifespan for scarlet macaws in the wild. For decades, she brought joy to guests, staff, and everyone lucky enough to spend time with her.

Lola had so much personality packed into those colorful feathers. She was known for her raspy little voice proudly shouting “LOLA!” for everyone to hear, and for her signature excited bobbing dance whenever she was happy or ready for attention. If music was playing, there was a good chance Lola was dancing right along with it.

She was curious, expressive, funny, and impossible not to love. Whether she was showing off, chatting with keepers, or simply watching the world around her, Lola made an impact on countless people over the years.

Thank you, Lola, for the memories, the laughter, and the love you shared with all of us. You will always be part of the Cougar Mountain Zoo family. 🦜❤️

05/23/2026

Today on World Turtle Day, we’re highlighting six special rescued painted turtles now living at Cougar Mountain Zoo 🐢

These painted turtles, a species native to Washington wetlands and waterways, were rescued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service after being kept illegally as pets. While they are now safe and receiving expert care, they cannot be released back into the wild.

Even native turtles that have spent time in captivity can pose risks to wild populations. Captive turtles may carry diseases or parasites that could spread to wild turtles, and many lose important survival behaviors needed to thrive on their own. Releasing pet turtles into the wild can also impact local ecosystems and create competition for food, basking spots, and nesting areas.

Painted turtles play an important role in wetland ecosystems by helping recycle nutrients, controlling insects, and supporting the balance of aquatic habitats. But in the wild, they face increasing threats including habitat destruction, pollution, road mortality, and illegal collection for the pet trade.

These six turtles now help us share an important message about protecting native wildlife and making responsible choices when it comes to exotic and native pets alike.

You can currently visit them in their temporary habitat next to Mountain Lion Plaza during your next visit to the zoo! 💚🐢

05/20/2026

Happy 15th Birthday to the cougars of Cougar Mountain Zoo!

Keira, Tika, and Miksa are enjoying their day by resting, sleeping, and judging all of you 😊

05/17/2026

Vítez loves his stick on his 17th birthday!

The average lifespan of a bengal tiger in the wild is 7-9, but in human care they can reach their late teens. We love to see him thriving and enjoying himself every day!

Address

19525 SE 54th Street
Issaquah, WA
98027

Opening Hours

Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5pm
Friday	9:30am - 5pm
Saturday	10:30am - 5pm
Sunday	9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14253915508

Website

https://www.cougarmountainzoo.org/close-encounters/

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