Cougars named after chiefs

Big Cats at Cincinnati Zoo Named After Famous Chiefs

By Carol BerryThey were honored Native leaders—Tecumseh of the Shawnee and Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.

Their 21st century namesakes in Cincinnati, Ohio are, however, furry members of the biological family felidae, which also includes cheetahs, tigers, and the domestic cat.

Appropriateness or lack thereof aside, the two male cougars in the Cincinnati Zoo named Tecumseh and Joseph are part of a new exhibit that will offer a close-up look at the cats, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.Below:  "The Cincinnati Zoo's Chief Joseph and Tecumseh were born September 19, 2010."