The University of Connecticut has introduced Jonathan XV, its new mascot-in-training.
The school”™s new puppy is a purebred Siberian Husky who was part of a litter born in Atwood, Ontario, Canada on April 19, and was picked up by handlers on June 17 ”“ which happened to have been National Mascot Day. Huskies named Jonathan have been UConn”™s canine mascot since 1935 and are named Jonathan as a tribute to Jonathan Trumbull, the last colonial governor and first state governor of Connecticut.
The current mascot, Jonathan XIV, will take on a mascot emeritus role when he turns 10 in October. Jonathan XIV underwent surgery in January to remove his spleen and a non-cancerous mass that had grown on it, but he is now fully recovered and visible at UConn events.
Photo courtesy of UConn
