Should North Alabama have live lion mascots on campus? UNA wants to hear from you

The University of North Alabama (UNA) is debating whether or not to continue its tradition of having live lion mascots on campus. A committee has been formed and they are now asking for the public’s input.

A survey has been set up by the university to get feedback on the tradition that dates back to the 1970s. This comes in response to the death of Leo III, the former UNA mascot who passed away in May.

Keep reading to learn more about the Special Committee on Live Lions + how you can take the survey.

Live Lions survey

The survey can be taken by scanning the QR code in the above flyer or following this link.

The survey begins by asking what your role is with the university from a current student to a community member. It will not ask for your name or any contact information.

Questions include whether or not you feel live lions should live on the university’s campus and if you would be willing to financially support the university in housing any lions.

“This is a key tool to help us evaluate campus, alumni, and community interest in and support of continuing the live lion tradition on campus. We greatly value and appreciate campus, alumni, and community member feedback.”

~ Dr. Lisa Ann Blankinship, co-chair of the committee and a Biology professor

UNA says the cost of bringing live lions back to campus would be $5-7 million which would include an expansion of the current habitat to meet guidelines from the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA).

The survey will close Oct. 25.

Special Committee on Live Lions

Last month, the University of North Alabama assembled a committee to explore the possibility of continuing the UNA tradition of having a live mascot on campus.

“The purpose of the committee meetings is to gather a variety of different university representatives and determine if pursuing the purchase of another live lion is a financially feasible and responsible decision, develop a timeline for every stepping stone that must be completed to properly house a lion on campus.”

~ Live Lions Committee Report

Other alternative avenues of honoring the tradition have been proposed as well including the possibility of converting the lion habitat into a memorial or museum.

There are many factors playing into the Committee’s research process. The prospect of taking the necessary steps to get more lions would affect the local Florence community, faculty and administration, in addition to the student body.

If the University eventually decides to take on the project, it could be up to five years before the campus has lions again. Construction of the habitat alone could take up to 21 months from start to finish.

Do you think the University of North Alabama should have live lions on campus? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.