Why Doesn’t Alabama Have a Live Elephant Mascot?

In light of the death of LSU tiger mascot, "Mike The Tiger", questions arose this week surrounding the idea of a live elephant mascot at Alabama. Tide linebacker Rashaan Evans was asked what he thought of a live elephant at UA, Evans said, "Absolutely, if they really could make that happen, I would be for it. Absolutely." Evans even went as far as saying he would ride the Elephant into Bryant-Denny Stadium.

So, wondering minds wanted to know why Alabama doesn't have a live elephant mascot. Come to find out, the school once housed a live elephant on campus in the 1940's, but the upkeep became too expensive for the University in the 1950's. The idea of riding an elephant into the stadium is nothing new either. In the 40's, the Alabama homecoming queen would ride the Tide's live elephant "Alamite" into the stadium on gameday (see picture above, courtesy of Alabama library - Homecoming Queen, Sue Donegan, is riding Alamite the elephant on the sideline during a football game in November of 1947.).

Alabama plays Tennessee this week and the Vols will have their historic mascot "Smokey" (a Bluetick Hound) on the sidelines.  ... so when will Alabama join much of the college world again and walk a 5 ton beast onto the field on Saturdays?