Elmwood Zoo Says Goodbye To Its 2 Cougars

NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood Park Zoo's beloved cougars have found a new home.

Russett and Yukon, siblings that were orphaned in the wilds of Idaho and rescued by the zoo, will be heading to the Saint Louis Zoo.

Officials said that the move is because of the pair's special situation. Both were too skittish for exhibits for years after they first arrived at Elmwood, and pending construction on the zoo's new animal hospital and expansion would have likely been an unwelcome novelty.

"While we are terribly sorry to see them go, moving the cougars to a large enclosure at another AZA-accredited facility now before our major construction projects begin will ensure that their comfort and well-being are maintained," the zoo said in a statement.

At the Saint Louis Zoo, the pair will live in the Big Cat Country, a large enclosure that features three open yards with trees, shrubs, boulders, and a 27-foot-high waterfall. It totals an acre in size.

Russett and Yukon grew much more comfortable at Elmwood when the zoo opened up their Trail of the Jaguar, frequently prowling right in front of the glass and hanging out with visitors who came to pay their majestic presence homage.

Elmwood said that the departure of Russett and Yukon will also open up space for the zoo to add more jaguars in the future.