Leo I

Leo was born April 14, 1973, in Knoxville, Tennessee. On July 22 of that year, University President Dr. Robert Guillot acquired Leo and brought him to UNA. Leo lived in the Guillot’s garage until the first habitat was completed on campus. After his arrival, Leo grew quickly from a shy 35-pound cub to nearly 500 pounds as an adult under the care of Dr. Phil Davis, his veterinarian.

Leo’s first real birthday party took place when he was two years old, and he enjoyed the attention he received that day. The party included two cakes made by Mrs. Guillot, a lion shaped cake for guests and a special meat cake for Leo.

April 14 is still celebrated each year as a birthday for our live mascots.