Shasta VII guards the rings at the Houston Zoo. April 26, 2024.
Stories this photo appears in:
Guarding of the Rings: A Cougar-Powered Tradition at the Houston Zoo
Every university boasts its unique traditions, but the University of Houston (UH) has a legacy that roars—literally. This Friday, December 6, the beloved Guarding of the Rings ceremony returns to the Houston Zoo, uniting graduates, alumni, and Cougar enthusiasts in a celebration that’s as wild as it is heartwarming. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., UH’s vibrant spirit will shine alongside the zoo’s resident cougars, Shasta VII and his brother, Louie, as they proudly safeguard the rings of the university’s newest alumni.
