Officials at the University of North Alabama say their mascot, Leo III, passed away Thursday evening. He was 21.“The University campus mourns the loss of Leo III,” said Dr. Ken Kitts, UNA’s President.

The University of North Alabama announced the death of their real lion mascot, Leo III, Friday morning. According to the university, Leo III passed away Thursday following a brief illness. The beloved lion was 21. Leo III and lioness Una were born in the fall of 2002 and were donated to UNA at just six weeks old.

The University of North Alabama Friday announced its mascot lion, Leo III, died Thursday after a brief illness. Leo III died “peacefully,” the university said, at the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat at the age of 21 and in the presence of attending veterinarians and volunteer caregivers.

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) – The University of North Alabama announced Friday that the school lion, Leo III, has died. According to the school, Leo III died after a brief illness. He was the third lion to live on the UNA campus.

UNA says Leo III passed away at the age of 21 Thursday night in the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat on the University of North Alabama campus.