Southern Miss has a new Nugget, that will

[biguglyjoe]

never leave its enclosure at the zoo.

Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, said due to permit regulations “Nugget” will never be able to leave the exhibit. But that hasn’t tempered the excitement surrounding the unveiling.

“Few things are as exciting for a fan base as the opportunity to interact and learn about the animal their university mascot represents,” DeFatta said. “Growing up in the Hattiesburg area, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the aviary on Southern Miss’ campus, so I’m excited for our fans to see first-hand why this bird is the perfect representation of our university and our athletic teams.”Southern Miss previously housed its own live golden eagle mascot, but on Dec. 6, 1993, the bird — also dubbed “Nugget” — was found after it had starved to death, and there hasn’t been one in Hattiesburg since.

 

[dawgatUSM]

wait a second, I went to school down there for 3 years and never once did I hear about them starving their live mascot. THAT is hilarious!

 

[The Peeper]

“Growing up in the Hattiesburg area, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the aviary on Southern Miss’ campus,

Too bad somebody didn't "visit" it during the weeks leading up to poor ole Nugget starving to death....

 

[engie]

So, they spent $70g that they don't have -- to get a new live mascot -- that lives in the zoo and can NEVER come to games? And people wonder about their money problems?

 

[patdog]

Well, here's the story you missed.

Link

 

[BigMotherTucker]

I, for one, am glad that spared the poor beast the shame of having to go to the games. They're doing him a favor.

 

[WayboDawg]

Very odd yet interesting story. I chuckled when I read the line below in the story:

"We've obtained an autopsy report that indicates that Nugget II had only one testicle. But Southern Miss was totally nuts about him, even if he wasn't"

 

[mcdawg22]

Truer words have never been spoken.