FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) -- The University of North Alabama said its 17-year-old lion mascot Una died Tuesday on campus after a brief illness.
Dr. Brandon Fisher, one of two veterinarians who cared for Una and her brother Leo III, said Una died with Leo and caregivers at her side.
The two lions had lived in a campus habitat, where Una died, since 2003, officials said.
"All of us at UNA are saddened by Una's passing," North Alabama President Ken Kitts said in a statement. "She and her brother, Leo, are part of the UNA family, and we mourn her death."
Una was born in New Hampshire in 2002. A university statement said a memorial would be planned later this year.
Lions have lived on the north Alabama campus as mascots since 1974.