University of North Alabama - Diorama Yearbook

“10 f i f nder a lowering sky on I J October, 7, 2002, school ^•^^officials took the occasion of the dedication of the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat to thank all those who contributed to the project. The contributors were so many that the ceremony took nearly two hours, even though most of the speakers kept their remarks brief. The habitat is dedicated to the memory of the late owner of Pressure Concrete, Inc., who served as general contractor for the project. " The late George Carroll was a dear friend and great supporter of UNA. All of us are indebted to the Carroll family. Pressure Concrete and its employees, and all other donors who have made this great new facility a reality, " said UNA President Robert L. Potts. The 12,674-square-foot facility features an exhibit area, a priva- cy/quarantine area and night house, two 517-sqviare-foot obser- vatories for the public viewing of the lions, and a simulated rock waterfall. In addition the facility will later display a full-size bronze stat- ue of Carroll, produced by the Bonvicini Bronze Foundry in Verona, Italy. Despite the long-awaited com- pletion of the habitat, administra- tion officials said it was not yet CLEAN CUT. (fop phoio) Judy Carroll BuUington and David Caroll slice the ribbon at the entrance of the new lion habitat as UNA and community dignitaries look on. LEO ' S LAST LODGE, in^^hi) The old lion cage was considerably smaller and offered far fewer creature comforts than the new habitat. known when the lion cubs who are to make it their home would arrive. It is known that UNA should be receiving two lion cubs, a brother-sis- ter pair, and that they have not yet been born. " We are willing to be very selective to get the absolute healthiest lions that we can get, " said UNA Vice President for University Advancement and Administration Dan Howard, after explaining that they must wait to see what kind of cubs the current USDA-approved lioness gave birth to. Howard said further that a volunteer, 24-hour lion-feeding pro- gram would be impleniented once the cubs arrive. Volunteers will come from among UNA employees. While UNA ' S mascot hunt seemed to be well under way, many had earlier voiced concerns that the keeping of live mascots in activity is cruel. That point of view, among many others, was heard early on in the decision- making process, Howard said in remarks at the ceremony. It was one factor in the decision to acqviire not one but two lions. " These animals will inevitably be in captivity somewhere, " said Potts. " These two lions will be given the very best... with this first- class habitat. " Contributors to the George H. ”