Mascot
For over 30 years, the sideline mascot for The University of Memphis has been a live Bengal tiger named TOM. During this time, the University has hosted three successive tigers, known respectively as TOM I, TOM II, and TOM III. The university also has a costumed tiger mascot known as Pouncer.
TOM III, the current Tiger mascot, attends all Tiger football home games and other University events. TOM III travels in a climate-controlled trailer with a police escort. TOM III is housed and cared for by the Highland Hundred Tiger Guard, an alumni booster organization in a $300,000 facility. TOM II matured, eventually weighing more than 500 pounds. The University of Memphis is one of only two Universities in America with a live tiger mascot, After being diagnosed with mouth cancer, TOM II was euthanized on October 15, 2008, at the age of 17. The team of veterinarians who oversaw TOM II decided this was necessary to ensure he did not suffer due to his illness.
The Highland Hundred football booster group found a replacement for the mascot in the tiger cub TOM III.
Read more about this topic: University Of Memphis, Traditions