Leo III, the University of North Alabama’s lion, has died
FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) – The University of North Alabama announced Friday that the school lion, Leo III, has died.
According to the school, Leo died after a brief illness. He was the third lion to live on the UNA campus.
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“The University campus mourns the loss of Leo III,” said Dr. Ken Kitts, UNA’s President.
“Dena and I have treasured our time as his neighbors and hearing him roar. He will forever be a
part of the UNA family, an ambassador, and a focal point of our historic and storied campus. Leo
III will be deeply missed by the Kitts family, the campus, and UNA supporters across the globe.”
Leo was born in 2002 in New Hampshire. He and his twin sister Una — who passed in June of 2020 — moved into the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat in 2003.
When they were younger, Leo and Una would make off-campus appearances, like football games and UNA events.
“Leo’s passing was peaceful, and his caregiver, Brandon Kutz, was by his side,” said Dr.
Brandon Fisher, one of the two local veterinarians who have provided care for Leo III throughout
his life. “It has been an honor to care for Leo III and his sister, Una. Being able to watch them
grow from cubs into the majestic big cats they were has been the highlight of my career as a
veterinarian.”
A special memorial will be planned for Leo in November to coincide with his birthday. Until then, the habitat will be available to those who would like to leave memorials or tributes.
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