FLORENCE, Ala. — Leo III, the third lion to live at the University of North Alabama, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 2, after a brief illness at the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat on the UNA campus. He was 21. The University of North Alabama has issued a statement regarding Leo III's passing.
“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 III, born in 2002 in New Hampshire, alongside his twin sister, Una, who passed away in June of 2020. Leo III moved into the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat in 2003. Since his arrival, Leo III became a beloved member of the UNA community, often regarded as a one-animal exhibit. As a younger lion, Leo III and Una frequently made appearances off-campus at various UNA-related events, including football games.
“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 for Leo III is scheduled to happen on his birthday in November. Meanwhile, the Habitat will be open for those who wish to leave tributes or memorials for Leo III or Una.
Dr. Dan and Annemarie Howard, the lions’ longtime caregivers, passed away in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The University's tradition of housing lions on campus dates back to 1974 when Leo I moved into his enclosure, inspired by a cartoon titled “Leo, the Florence State Teachers College Lion,” created by a student in 1949. After Leo I's passing in 1988, Leo II became a campus fixture until his death in 2000.
“Leo has never been the second-best mascot; he has always been the king of the jungle,” said the Howards in a statement at the time. “He and his sister, Una, were a part of our lives and the life of the University of North Alabama for almost 20 years, and it has been our privilege to have been with them on their journeys on this earth.”
The University of North Alabama has created a special memorial video of Leo III, available here.
U.S Rep. Robert Aderholt released a statement following the passing of Leo III:
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Leo. My staff visited with Leo just two weeks ago while on a tour of the Shoals area, where they got to hear him roar and watch him play. As someone who attended UNA, I know how deeply this loss is felt. I send my condolences to all the students, alumni, staff and the UNA/Florence community as a whole. Leo and his mighty roar will be missed.”