Florence, Alabama: Live Lions On College Campus (Gone)
Since 1974, the University of North Alabama was the only U.S. college with live lions as mascots. Leo III and his mate Una lived in a public outdoor "habitat" on campus, with plenty of viewing areas, built in 2007 at a cost of $1.3 million. But by 2024 they had both died.
- Directions:
- On the campus of the University of North Alabama. Downtown, where US Hwy 72 turns from east-west to north-south, go north on Court St. Drive seven blocks. When Court St. ends, bear right onto Irvine Ave. You'll see a large parking lot on the left. Park in a Visitors space. Walk straight onto campus and bear right at the fountain. You'll see the lion enclosure ahead.
- Hours:
- Daily 8-6
- Admission:
- Free
- Status:
- Gone
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The University of North Alabama is a beautiful campus but, sadly, Una passed in 2020 and Leo III passed in 2024.
[Ranee, 06/22/2024]
Beautiful lions, and really close up to them!
[Marilyn, 09/07/2019]Nice place to picnic near the large fountain. The visitor parking was easy to find and close to the lions.
[Becki Retzlaff, 06/08/2019]
This is very cool. There is also a beautiful fountain located across from the lion habitat.
[Danae, 06/09/2014]The George H. Carroll Lion Habitat is a 12,000+ ft. enclosure where live versions of the college mascot are kept well-fed and on display for visitors.
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In the absence of opportunities for free range meal hunting around town, the sports mascots bask within the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat.