Leo I

Creator

Preview

Source Collection

University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections, University Collection-University Mascot, Collier Library 

Identifier

UM: 94

Description

When Dr. Robert M. Guillot first came to Florence State University in April 1972, the feeling on campus was that Florence was "Lion Country." President Guillot thought it would be a good idea to get a live lion as a mascot for the school. The search began and in June 1973, Leo was brought from Knoxville Zoo to Florence, weighing 35 pounds. (Leo I was born April 14, 1973, in Knoxville, Tennessee.) Students, faculty, and the townspeople raised money to build his cage, and in the fall of 1973, Leo was in his new home. He was an attraction at UNA events for many years, and his cage was a focal point for visitors to campus, especially young children.

Date Created

2-16-2026

Date

No date

Rights

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