History
The manifestation of their deep devotion to all creatures large and small, the Cougar
Mountain Zoo was founded by Peter and Marcie Rittler in 1972.The fledging Zoo’s
initial collection was comprised of 53 specimens of exotic and domestic birds, mammals
and reptiles. During the first fifteen years of operation admission was offered
free to the general public and area school children. In 1987 the Zoological Society
of Washington, a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization, became the fundraising
arm of the Zoo. The Cougar Mountain Zoo has grown into one of the major institutions
in the State in the field of wildlife conservation and education. With the passing
of years the story thus unfolds to the present day.
The following quotes have been selected in dedication to the natural world and represent
ideology professed by the Cougar Mountain Zoo since its inception:
“The preservation of the earth’s vanishing wildlife is an extraordinary cause, requiring
extraordinary effort by extraordinary people.”
“The earth’s wildlife as we know it today can only be saved through intensifying
the teaching of individuals and nations the practical, aesthetic and emotional values
wildlife represents in our daily lives and
for future generations to come.”
“It is ironic how we stretch our imagination and seek extraterrestrial life forms
with unique qualities in the dark vastness of space, when in essence they are amongst
us in the light of the day.
Those mysterious life forms that we call animals.”
“No Wild Animal belongs in captivity. Zoo Animals are instruments of the educational
process representing
that last and vital frontier through which their Wild Brethren may be saved from
Extinction.”
Quotes by Peter A. Rittler