CAM the Ram, Colorado State University’s beloved four-legged mascot, died Saturday of natural causes.

CAM, the 24th ram to serve as the school’s live representative since the student body adopted Rams as the official mascot in 1945, was 6 years old and had been in his role four years. He had been sick for a week, missing the annual Fall Address and other events during the week, and died at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Kraig Peel, associate professor of animal sciences, has overseen the care of all CAM mascots for the past 10 years while working with a group of student Ram Handlers. Peel said CAM’s heart simply stopped beating.

“CAM 24 really was an amazing mascot for us,” Peel said of the Rambouillet ram. “When I look for a ram to serve as CAM, we want one that represents the strength, integrity and power of this university, and CAM 24 did all of that.”

CAM’s half-brother steps in

CAM 25 made his first appearance Saturday at the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver. The new mascot is CAM 24’s half-brother, and is 6 months old. He will be fully grown – with a full horn curl – in time for the opening of the new on-campus stadium in 2017.

Many alumni and fans expressed their sadness after learning of CAM 24’s death. CAM had met thousands of people and had his picture taken thousands of times while making numerous public appearances over the past four years. He was particularly beloved by children.

“CAM is such a wonderful symbol for our University, and we are all saddened by CAM 24’s passing,” said Kristi Bohlender, executive director of the CSU Alumni Association. “At the same time, we welcome the addition of CAM 25 and know he will be just as beloved as CAM 24.”

CAM 25 will make his official debut Oct. 10 when the CSU football team hosts Boise State.

You can learn more about CAM the Ram or support his care, visit his web page.