The University of Houston, located in Houston, Texas, has a beloved mascot named Shasta. Shasta is an anthropomorphic cougar and serves as the official symbol of school spirit and pride for the university. Shasta has a long and storied history at the University of Houston. The first Shasta, named Shasta I, made her debut in 1947. She was a live cougar and was donated to the university by the Houston Zoo. Shasta I quickly became a beloved figure on campus, attending games and events and representing the university in a variety of settings.
Shasta I quickly became a beloved figure on campus, attending games and events and representing the university in a variety of settings. Sadly, Shasta I passed away in 1958, but the tradition of having a live cougar as the university's mascot continued. Shasta II, III, and IV all followed in her footsteps, bringing joy and excitement to the university and its fans.
Houston Zoo welcomes 2 cougar cubs, including new mascot, Shasta VII, for University of Houston
Welcome to H-town, Shasta VII and Louie! The cougar cubs found a new home at the Houston Zoo after a rancher discovered them orphaned at just 4-weeks old.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Watch out, Houston! There's a new, tiny, baby cougar in town!
The University of Houston announced on Thursday that two cougar cubs have found a new home at the Houston Zoo, and one of them will be the seventh live mascot for the school.
The cubs come three months after the university mourned the death of Shasta VI from progressive spinal disease. Not long after, Shasta VI's companion, Haley, also passed from kidney illness. Both illnesses are common in older cats.
Shortly after sending out the word that the Houston Zoo had space and expertise to care for cougars, two cubs were found alone in Washington state.
The Houston Zoo was contacted by Washington State Fish and Wildlife Services after a rancher found the two orphaned male cubs on his property.
The cubs, named Shasta VII and Louie, were an estimated 4 weeks old when they were found in October, making it unlikely that they would have survived on their own.
Within only a few days, they were on their way to Texas and now, the 8-week-old cubs are settling into their new life at the Houston Zoo.
The zoo will share updates on the boys as they continue to grow, and will invite the public to come see them once they are introduced to their new habitat.
"Shasta has shown himself to be the leader of the two by being protective of his smaller brother and being the calmer, more confident cub," the university said. "Shasta often sleeps or rests with a paw over Louie."
In the past, former Shastas played a pivotal role in cherished university traditions, including guarding the rings of the graduating classes, as well as the students who have recently received their class rings. All of the rings would be placed in a UH-themed box, which would spend the day in Shasta's habitat.
Throughout the years, UH and the zoo have partnered to celebrate special occasions, such as Shasta's birthday parties and live appearances via webcam at UH football games.
The Houston Zoo was contacted by Washington State Fish and Wildlife Services after a rancher found the two orphaned male cubs on his property.
However, in 1989, the decision was made to retire live mascots due to concerns for the safety and welfare of the animals. Since then, the university has introduced a costumed mascot to represent Shasta. The current incarnation, known as Shasta V, makes appearances at sporting events, pep rallies, and other university functions. Shasta V is an integral part of the university's spirit and helps to rally fans and create a sense of unity among students, alumni, and supporters. In addition to being a symbol of school spirit, Shasta also has a philanthropic side. The Shasta's Paws for a Cause program encourages fans to donate to charitable organizations, such as animal shelters or children's hospitals, in the name of Shasta. This initiative highlights the university's commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Overall, Shasta is a beloved and iconic figure at the University of Houston. Whether it's a live cougar or a costumed mascot, Shasta represents the spirit and pride of the university and brings joy and excitement to students, alumni, and fans alike..
Reviews for "Shasta's Secret Training Regimen: How the University of Houston Mascot Stays in Top Shape"
- John - 1 star - I am extremely disappointed with the University of Houston mascot Shasta. I was expecting a powerful and fierce representation of our school spirit, but instead, we have a lifeless and lackluster cougar. Shasta lacks the energy and charisma that one would expect from a mascot, and it fails to ignite the crowd during games and events. It's time for the university to reconsider and redesign our mascot to better reflect our school's identity and instill a sense of pride in our students and alumni.
- Sarah - 2 stars - As an alumna of the University of Houston, I have to say that Shasta, our mascot, is quite underwhelming. It looks more like a stuffed animal than a fierce and spirited symbol of our university. I remember attending football games and feeling uninspired by Shasta's presence. The costume lacks personality and fails to engage the crowd. The university should consider revamping our mascot to give it a more dynamic and exciting appearance that can truly rally our fans and create a sense of pride during games and events.
- Michael - 2 stars - Shasta, the University of Houston's mascot, is far from impressive. I find it hard to associate with a lackluster cougar that fails to evoke any excitement or school spirit. The costume design is outdated, and it lacks the energy and enthusiasm that one would expect from a university mascot. I believe it's time for the university to invest in a new and more captivating mascot that can truly represent our school's values and ignite the pride within our community.
- Jennifer - 1 star - I have to admit that Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, is a major disappointment. It looks more like a worn-out stuffed animal than a fierce representation of our school spirit. The lack of enthusiasm and energy portrayed by Shasta is quite disappointing, and it fails to capture the attention and ignite the pride of the crowd during games and events. The university should seriously consider redesigning our mascot to better reflect our values and create a more engaging and captivating presence during both sports and non-sports activities.