Talk of UA elephant begins
Brett Bralley
Assistant Student Life Editor
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: News
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Game day traditions at the Capstone have included tailgating with family and friends, hearing the sounds of the Million Dollar Band on the Quad and youngsters meeting Big Al before the game.
At a joint session with the First-Year Council and the SGA Senate Nov. 8, a resolution was passed to research a possible new addition to the UA tradition: an elephant.
Cason Kirby, SGA vice president for Student Affairs, said the SGA is in the beginning stages of researching the live mascot being brought to the University.
"We are in the preliminary stages of thinking about it," Kirby said. "It's something enough students and fans have expressed interest in, and we're trying to conduct a feasibility study to see if it is appropriate and within our resources."
Kirby said part of the research will be to see where funds for the project would come from as well as other details, like where the elephant would be housed and where it would come from.
UA spokeswoman Deborah Lane said while the University understands students' support and enthusiasm for having a live elephant mascot, there are many insurmountable issues that make having a live elephant impractical for the University.
"The University of Alabama must follow stringent federal care and reporting guidelines for any and all animals under its control," Lane said. "The University does not have the staff or facilities to house and care for such a large animal. In fact, those few universities with live mascots invest significant resources to provide the facilities, veterinarian faculty and skilled caretakers that are required by federal guidelines."
Lane said that elephants can weigh as much as 6.5 tons and can be as tall as 13 feet. She also said they thrive best when housed in pairs.
"That would require a facility encompassing approximately five acres per animal and made of extraordinarily strong materials," Lane said. "Costs would easily reach several hundred thousand dollars per year.
At a joint session with the First-Year Council and the SGA Senate Nov. 8, a resolution was passed to research a possible new addition to the UA tradition: an elephant.
Cason Kirby, SGA vice president for Student Affairs, said the SGA is in the beginning stages of researching the live mascot being brought to the University.
"We are in the preliminary stages of thinking about it," Kirby said. "It's something enough students and fans have expressed interest in, and we're trying to conduct a feasibility study to see if it is appropriate and within our resources."
Kirby said part of the research will be to see where funds for the project would come from as well as other details, like where the elephant would be housed and where it would come from.
UA spokeswoman Deborah Lane said while the University understands students' support and enthusiasm for having a live elephant mascot, there are many insurmountable issues that make having a live elephant impractical for the University.
"The University of Alabama must follow stringent federal care and reporting guidelines for any and all animals under its control," Lane said. "The University does not have the staff or facilities to house and care for such a large animal. In fact, those few universities with live mascots invest significant resources to provide the facilities, veterinarian faculty and skilled caretakers that are required by federal guidelines."
Lane said that elephants can weigh as much as 6.5 tons and can be as tall as 13 feet. She also said they thrive best when housed in pairs.
"That would require a facility encompassing approximately five acres per animal and made of extraordinarily strong materials," Lane said. "Costs would easily reach several hundred thousand dollars per year.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
John McNeil
posted 11/29/07 @ 7:43 AM CST
The University should talk to the DKE house. They know how to do it right. If the University would ask the DKE's, they would probably help bring 3 elephants to campus like they did in 2004. (Continued…)
LSU Fan
posted 11/29/07 @ 2:18 PM CST
The article cited the cost and space of keeping a live, but LSU keeps Mike the Tiger on campus, providing both a large space for him to live and funding his food and care through the Athletic and Alumni associations. (Continued…)
Very curious (mascot-less) Ole Miss Rebel
posted 11/30/07 @ 7:16 AM CST
I don't think this idea will end up going anywhere. And it wouldn't be the end of the world if that was so. Hey, at least y'all have some sort of mascot!! A few years ago our administration consigned Colonel Rebel to the stands and to the grove for tailgating and a subsequent search for a new mascot bombed and has not been revived to this point. (Continued…)
Jerry Proctor
posted 11/30/07 @ 5:13 PM CST
"That would require a facility encompassing approximately five acres per animal and made of extraordinarily strong materials," Lane said. "Costs would easily reach several hundred thousand dollars per year. (Continued…)
Reggie
posted 12/01/07 @ 2:15 PM CST
I can remember a baby elephant at the end of the homecoming parade back in the ninetys. However they got that baby elephant should be explored because it was very cool. (Continued…)
copy cat
posted 12/09/07 @ 8:04 AM CST
Why would the U of AL want to copy Auburn University. They already have the most spectacular pre-game ritual. A live elephant would only make for a circus-like atmosphere. (Continued…)
Alumni
posted 12/11/07 @ 4:05 PM CST
Bad idea. Don't do it. Cost, care, upkeep, damage to the University, potential injury to people, harassment from spectators, and absolute absurdity! We already have tailgating problems thanks to "higher ups" and an elephant surely won't help!
Don't do it. (Continued…)
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