University of North Alabama Lions

There are a couple of cats living at the University of North Alabama that you may want to take a look at while you’re in the Shoals.

These two are a bit bigger than common house cats. They’re actually full-grown lions that serve as the university’s mascots. UNA’s athletic teams have the nickname Lions.

Leo III and Una reside on campus at the George Carroll Lion Habitat, a 12,764 square foot facility. The habitat is climate controlled and fixed up to meet the needs of Leo and Una.

And visitors, especially children, can’t seem to get enough of them. The lions – Leo is male and Una is a female – come out to play daily and are in easy view for visitors. In fact, you can see them on their live Web cam at lioncam.una.edu.

Leo III and Una were born on Nov. 18, 2002. They are the only live lion mascots living on a college campus in the country.

Having a live lion as the mascot dates to July 22, 1974, when former UNA president Robert Guillot brought a 35-pound lion cub to the campus. He was given the name Leo and he spent the next 14 years as UNA’s biggest supporter – over 500 pounds worth of support. He also served as a consistent alarm clock for Guillot, who lived next door in the president’s house on campus. Leo’s roars could be heard throughout the day as well.

Leo died in January 1988 and was replaced seven months later by Leo II. By age 11, Leo II weighed more than 600 pounds. In 1997, Sports Illustrated named Leo II the second best university mascot in the nation. He died in February 2000.

The university, with community donations, renovated the habitat and brought Leo III and Una to campus about four years ago.

The habitat is part of a beautiful campus at UNA. There are fountains and numerous articles of statuary throughout the campus.