There have been Memorandums of Understanding over the years, directed by DOD, signed by the DOD SA Superintendents, prohibiting the practice of tampering with the live mascots. The danger of harming the animals is a serious concern, and with today’s social media, envisioning the risk of an “incident” going viral lurks on the list of “what keeps Superintendents and Commandants awake at night.” It would be a PR disaster. Though the caper planners may well have a safety and welfare plan for their captives, things have a way of going wrong.
They are all beautiful and well cared for animals, with dedicated cadet and mid teams, vets and assigned staff, with top-grade living quarters and traveling containers. No matter how carefully they are handled, being taken out of familiar places and away from normal routine by unfamiliar people stresses them. I have watched my DH move his horses to a new barn or to a show barn, or pick up a new horse to settle in, and how carefully he watches for signs of stress, keeping an eye on their food intake and transition to unfamiliar food, surroundings, noise, temperature, people, other animals.
Even with prohibitions, I am sure it will continue to happen. I am all for fun and imaginative USMA-USNA-USAFA spirit pranks, but I wish the animals were truly off-limits.
Bill XXXIII (33), the Naval Academy goat mascot affectionately known as “Blue Eyes” and who played a central role in an Army-Navy prank gone too far nine years ago, has died, the Naval …
www.capitalgazette.com
Officials said the falcon, a 22-year-old named Aurora, was injured in a prank carried out by West Point cadets but that she would survive.
www.nytimes.com
Aurora returned to full health afterwards, I believe. Sweaters? A dog crate? Argh. Aurora has since gone to falcon heaven after a long and honorable career.
