When Kean University established a satellite Campus at Ocean County College, it brought everything but the mascot. Now through a partnership with Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park Zoo, the university has “adopted” one of the zoo’s cougars, Sandy, pictured at left, as its own.

The university plans to raise about $1,500 each year for Sandy's care and the upkeep of an exhibit at the zoo that displays her as Kean’s Ocean County mascot. The university will hold a variety of fundraisers to support Sandy the cougar throughout the year, including merchandise sales, sporting events, contests and activities on its website.

Sandy will not leave the zoo for events, which would be stressful and dangerous for her as well as unsafe for those attending the event. University representatives will be permitted to hold limited special events at the zoo.

The entire staff at Popcorn Park Zoo and the Society is thrilled that the Kean University Cougars wish to call one of our majestic beauties their own, as well as call attention to our 5 resident cougars and all the animals at the zoo through fundraising and public awareness activities. 

If you'd like to have a cougar mascot of your own, you too can "adopt" - we have five beauties available for sponsorship through the Wildlife Club - pick from Candy, Cindy Lou, Sandy, Sheba or Tasha.

You can also show support for our cougars by purchasing a Popcorn Park Cougar tee-shirt!