George H. Carroll Lion Habitat

The George H. Carroll Lion Habitat is a 12,764 square foot (1,186 m²), climate-controlled facility located on the campus the University of North Alabama that houses the only two live lion mascots in the United States, Leo III and Una. The lion habitat, which was dedicated in October 7, 2007, bears the name of the late owner of the construction firm Pressure Concrete, which built the facility and donated labor, materials and funds. No federal or state dollars or tuition fees were used in construction of the habitat. [http://www2.una.edu/universityrelations/January2003.htm "UNA Acquires Two Lion Cubs," Office of University Relations, University of North Alabama, March 2003.] ]

The habitat cost $1.3 million. Feeding and caring for the lions cost $35,000 annually. All costs of maintaining the animals are covered by charitable contributions. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/2007-08-31-mascots-cover_N.htm "Live Mascots Reflect Obsession with Traditions," USA Today, Sept. 1, 2007.] ]

Certified Alarm Company of Alabama provided a sophisticated alarm and surveillance system, which is monitored at all times.

The facility exceeds all the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and American Zoo and Aquarium, a professional accrediting agency. UNA's live lion mascot tradition began in 1973, when then-President Dr. Robert Guillot personally acquired a 12-pound lion cub, now known as Leo I, from a Knoxville, Tennessee, zoo. Since then, his birth date, April 14, has been celebrated as the official lion mascot birthday --- an annual event that attracts kindergarten and elementary school children from throughout the Shoals region. [http://www.timesdaily.com/article/99999999/ETS/70309002/1140 "University of North Alabama Lions," Explore the Shoals, The Times-Daily, Florence, Alabama.] ]

The current lions, which are siblings, were born Nov. 18, 2002, at a USDA-sanctioned refuge owned by Glen and Kathy Eldridge in Greenville, NH. [http://www2.una.edu/universityrelations/January2003.htm "UNA Acquires Two Lion Cubs," Office of University Relations, University of North Alabama, March 2003.] ]

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External links

* [http://www.una.edu/ Official website]

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