Elegant Zebulon cougar is the king of a small town (8 photos)

A giant cat slowly moves across a car dealership parking lot in Zebulon, North Carolina.





Motorists driving down Gannon Avenue are initially surprised to see a huge, growling cougar on the horizon. But as they approach the giant predator, they fall under its magical aura.



The cougar was made by the company that had previously made giants for Disney. Two identical cats were made: one went to North Carolina, and the other to Washington. They were part of a publicity stunt for Ford, which was advertising the Mercury Cougar series. The cougars, as tall as two-story houses, stood on the roofs of Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, calling out to customers with an inviting growl.





This cat was installed on top of the dealership in 1972. The cougar stayed there for decades until the dealership closed and was removed. Locals thought the cat was gone forever until it mysteriously reappeared in front of Howden Classic Cars.



1970 Mercury Cougar

The cougar is cared for by its original owner, Mike Leight, who ran a Mercury dealership. The dealership is now closed, but the cougar is still there. Mike and other Zebulon residents are fond of the predator that has been an emblem of their town for more than 50 years.



Mercury Emblem Cougar