“In Loving Memory”
Leo III + Una
Dr. Dan & Anne Howard
In 2002, Dr. Dan Howard and his wife Annemarie Howard brought two lion cubs, Leo III and Una, back to the Shoals from their birthplace in New Hampshire. The couple kept the cubs at their home through the duration of the construction of the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat at the University of North Alabama, which was large enough to accommodate two growing lions. Throughout the time spent with the Howards, the lion cubs formed a bond with Anne and Dan, the couple often taking turns bottle-feeding little Leo III and Una.
Pretty soon, it was time for the lions to move into the habitat, and the Howards were most always there, preparing their meals, providing treats, and watching them grow into majestic creatures. Dan and Anne worked closely with local veterinarians, Dr. Matt Connolly and Dr. Brandon Fisher, to provide ongoing care throughout the lives of Leo III and Una.
Shared Memories
Brittany Cockrum
This sweet guy was a favorite subject when I started learning how to use my camera.
Andrea Darby
Leo and Una have been a special part of our family since its very beginning. While my husband and I were dating we loved coming to visit them at any opportunity. In July 2012 when my husband decided to pop the question he knew it had to be done at our favorite place with our favorite big cats. We had a behind the scenes look at the lion habitat with Mrs. Anne and then he asked me to marry him with a note from Leo and Una. When we moved back to Florence in 2019 one of the things I was most excited about was being able to visit the lions anytime I wanted. Once our daughter joined us in 2020 she and I loved stopping by to visit often. Leo (and Una) will be greatly missed by our family, especially by the four year old little girl who has only know life with a special lion friend who was always there waiting for a visit! Thank you Leo, Una, and Mrs. Anne for being a wonderful part of our family’s memories!
Chloe M.
Leo was one of the many reasons I fell in love with UNA. He was there to talk to when life got tough and when you wanted to give up. He was a consistent presence in our university’s pride and will be greatly missed. Roar forever sweet boy
Kaylee Kirby
When I was a freshman, I remember eating lunch beside Leo. He napped as I ate my Chick-fil-A. I didn’t have many friends and the ones I did have were in class, so I had to eat alone. However, I found a friend in Leo that day. He made great company even while asleep, and will never forget the impact he had on me. He was truly the king of the jungle. Rest in peace sweet Leo III, you were the best lion ever. I’m going to miss hearing you roar as I walk on campus.
Tyler Curtis
Whenever I really needed to study I always needed a quiet place. In between classes I’d visit my study buddies Leo and Una. Both lions were always chill when I came by. It was also funny when Leo would roar about 8:30am and our teachers would forget and get startled a bit.
Chambers Family
We’ve been taking our children since they were born to see Leo and Una. Walking around the campus and ending with a visit to see them was dampered by the loss of Una. We will miss getting to see Leo and hearing him wake everyone up.
Brandie
Leo and all his majesty!
Felicia Jones
Roar on, Leo III! Roar on! We miss you!
Evan Kerider
I remember being a freshman at UNA, I was walking to class (late) and I was the only one in sight. Already feeling upset and I heard Leo roar from across the campus. Brightened me up for the day. Some people don’t believe me as they say he never roared, but I do. I heard him and it is a cherished memory.
Lee Taylor
Thanks, Leo!!! You will be missed.
Dr. T
R.I.P. Big cat…. I will miss your presence on campus.
Chelsea Parrish
My friends and I loved visiting Leo and Una when I was at UNA. I hope our giant kitties didn’t mind our annoying meowing at them.
Brenton Allen
Leo III came in my freshman year, so we started on this beautiful campus together. Just like I have beautiful memories of my experience & growth at UNA, so will I remember going to classes everyday and walking by seeing him and UNA together as cubs. They will be missed, ROAR Lions!!
Cara Tucker
I always loved visiting Leo everytime I came to UNA. Its so sad he has passed.
Devin
Me and my brother when we were little would go with our mom to visit Leo and Una all the time. It became a weekly thing. Never will I forget how them two animals made my family closer while also Leo and Una becoming part of our Family by checking in on them every week.
June Strickland
I met the Howards ten years ago, and I was immediately drawn into the wonder of Leo and Una. Leo was magnificent and incredibly beautiful. His roar reminded the UNA campus that he was the unparalleled king. Leo and Una brought a magic to UNA that will never be seen again. Thank you Anne and Dan.
Jackie
Leo & Una made the UNA campus special, like no other. Thanks to all who cared for these sweet animals, thanks for sharing them with us! Leo & Una together again.
Grayce Brooks
Leo was a sweet gentle giant, in between classes I loved to go hangout with him while he sunbathed. I loved listening to his roar at the beginning of class early in the mornings and will forever miss him, Leo was one of the main reasons I attended UNA.
Rebecca Norwood
We will mis Leo III