With the recent death of theSouthern University mascot, Lacumba, many students, faculty and alumni aredisplaying different reactions to the incident. Most are questioning whether ornot the university should replace the jaguar. People for the Ethical Treatmentof Animals has expressed that they would prefer if the university did notpurchase a new mascot. Amy Rhodes, animals in entertainment supervisor forPETA, sent this statement:
“ …We hopeSouthern University will make the progressive decision not to bring anotherjaguar to its campus for use as a mascot. Most college teams and all professional teams rely on the use of a humanmascot rather than the archaic reliance on a live animal. Animals are not props to be used toenliven a crowd.”
Most people who disagree withreplacing Lacumba are concerned with the habitat, believing that the school islacking in providing Lacumba living quarters that resemble her natural home.
“When they bought the cage forLacumba it was very efficient and elite but as time passed it has becomeobsolete,” said Jayson Dogan, student caretaker.
“Though it is a loss to theschool, I do not think we should get another mascot because it is an inhumaneact to take a wild creature from its habitat and put it in such a tiny cage.”said Michelle Smith-Dixon, a freshman political science major from Washington,D.C.
Bernice Colbert a professor offamily and consumer science believes Southern should have a live mascot forcertain events.
“Southern University is theschool of the living, it is very contemporary,” she said. “In my opinion, Lacumba should only beshowcased during special occasions like Homecoming, the Bayou Classic and thebeginning and ending of school.”
There are some individuals whobelieve that purchasing a new jaguar would be a good idea, even with itscurrent habitat.
“There is nothing wrong withreplacing Lacumba,” said Catherine Smith, a Southern alumna. “Keeping a livejaguar on campus is a part of Southern tradition. Without her, the campus willbe missing a special icon.”
According to Dogan, theuniversity will not be getting a new mascot until there is a new habitat.
A special hotline — (225)771-4545 — has been set up for interested people to voice their opinions on thepossible purchase of another live mascot for the university. Donations arebeing accepted in the event that a decision is reached to purchase a new mascotand can be made by calling (225)-771-5022.
