UNA Considers Bringing Live Lions to Campus

When the University of North Alabama lion, Leo III, died on May 2, one student asked, “Will there be another Lion friend coming?” echoing the thoughts of many in the UNA community.

Last week, the university released a statement regarding the return of live lions to campus, including the creation of a committee by President Dr. Ken Kitts to study the idea. Leo III and his sister, Una, who died in 2020, arrived at UNA in 2003.

“Over the coming months, we will evaluate how best to honor Leo and the other lions who are part of our community,” the statement said. “We will also evaluate how best to continue to connect with this magnificent species. We will continue to keep the UNA community informed as this process progresses. But for now, we thank everyone who has helped care for Leo and our other lions over the years.”

“With the evaluation process underway, President Kitts is currently working to appoint a committee that will include animal care experts and representatives from key stakeholder groups.”

If UNA decides to reintroduce lions to campus, the entire process would take about five years. Updates to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ requirements would mean the university would need two lions and would have to expand the George H. Carroll lion habitat.

Michelle Eubanks, the university’s director of media and public relations, said the process to obtain AZA certification is arduous.

“It can take 12 to 18 months or more. AZA-certified habitat should also be 10,000 square feet,” Eubanks said.

With those changes, it would take about five years before live lions return to the UNA campus, she said. Additionally, the cost to bring live lions back to campus would be between $4.8 million and $7.2 million.

No timetable has been set for the decision.

In November, the university will hold a public celebration for longtime caretakers Ann and Dan Howard, as well as Una and Leo III. Dan Howard died in January 2022 and Ann Howard in January 2024.

Click here to read the community’s memories of Leo III.

Courtesy of 256 Today.