Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

University in denies PETA's request to retire mascot

 

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — The University of North Alabama says the school will keep its lion mascot following a request by an animal rights group that the lion be transferred to a sanctuary. 

The school said in a statement reported by WHNT-TV Monday that lions have a “special place” in the university's traditions.

The university received the request from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after the lion’s sister died in June. PETA sent another letter to the school Wednesday urging them to retire the lion.

The lion's veterinarian told the TimesDaily the lion’s familiarity with his environment is necessary as he grieves his sister's death. 

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
Related Content
News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.