Tusk (mascot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tusk |
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|---|---|
| University | University of Arkansas |
| Conference | SEC |
| Description | Russian boar |
| First seen | 1994 |
| Related mascot(s) | Big Red, Sue E., Pork Chop, Boss Hog, Ribby |
Tusk is the official live mascot for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. The current mascot is Tusk VI. All the Tusks have been male wild boars. They are all from the same family line.
Tusk goes to many events. He travels to every home football game. These games are in Fayetteville or Little Rock. He also attends some away football games and certain bowl games. Sometimes, Tusk even goes to basketball and baseball games. He also appears at pep rallies.
At games, Tusk rides in a special red pen. This pen travels through the crowds. Cheerleaders are often on top of the pen. This makes Tusk a big hit with fans. During the game, Tusk moves into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Everyone in the stadium can see him. Tusk has even learned to give kisses to brave people!
Tusk lives in a special home near Dardanelle, Arkansas. He has a large indoor area, about 9,000 square feet. He also has a big outdoor fenced area, about 7,000 square feet. The indoor space helps him stay cool and out of the sun. Outside, he loves to play in mud holes. Wild boars like Tusk have little body fat. Mud helps them stay cool. It also protects their skin from the sun and insects. Before Tusk goes to an event, he gets a special shampoo and wash. This makes sure he looks his best for the public.
Tusk is one of several live mascots in the SEC. Other live mascots include UGA, the Georgia Bulldogs mascot. Reveille is the Texas A&M Aggies' rough collie. Smokey is the bluetick coonhound for Tennessee. Bully is the Mississippi State English Bulldog. LSU has Mike the Tiger. Auburn has War Eagle. South Carolina has Sir Big Spur, a live gamecock. Only a few other mascots in the United States come from a family line like Tusk.
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The Tusk Family History
All the wild boars named Tusk have lived on a farm. This farm is near Dardanelle, Arkansas. The Stokes family takes care of them. All official Tusks have come from the same family. Tusk II and Tusk III were brothers. They were born in August 2002. They were both Russian boars. They looked like wild razorback hogs. Each weighed about 475 pounds.
Tusk I: The First Mascot
Tusk I (1997–2004) was the first in the Tusk family. In 1994, Keith Stokes was asked to find a wild hog. This hog would be the live mascot for the University of Arkansas. Stokes found a wild hog near Greenbrier, Arkansas. This hog became Tusk I. The Tusk family line started in 1997. Tusk I was the mascot for eight years. He spent his first four football seasons at the Little Rock Zoo. In 2001, he moved to the Tyson Foods Farm. Tusk I became a father to Tusk II in 2002. He passed away in December 2004.
Tusk II: The Autograph Signer
Tusk II (2004–2010) became the mascot after Tusk I died. Tusk II was famous for "signing" autographs. His actual hoof print was used to make a stamp. Kids and fans could get this stamp on paper or T-shirts. Russian boars are very strong. They are also surprisingly fast. Tusk II weighed almost 500 pounds. He could jump over a four-foot gate!
Tusk III: The Interim Mascot
Tusk III (2010–2011) took over when Tusk II died on January 5, 2010. Tusk III was Tusk II's brother. Both were sons of Tusk I. Tusk III was the temporary mascot for the 2010 football season. This was because Tusk IV was still too young to be the official mascot.
Tusk IV: The Friendly Mascot
Tusk IV (2011–2019) was the son of Tusk II. He was born on February 20, 2010. Tusk IV became the official mascot for the 2011 football season. His caretakers said he was the calmest Tusk so far. He was also very friendly to people. This was because he was raised by humans from birth. Tusk IV even sent flowers to the retiring Texas mascot Bevo. Tusk IV passed away on January 12, 2020.
Tusk V: A Champion Mascot
Tusk V (2019–2022) was born on April 19, 2018. He was announced as the next Tusk in May 2018. Tusk V took over during the 2019 football season. This was after his father, Tusk IV, retired. Tusk V passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023. His last game was the 2022 Liberty Bowl. The Razorbacks won that game 55-53. During his time, the football team won two of their three bowl games. The university's sports program also won many SEC championships. He was the mascot during two very successful years for the program.
Tusk VI: The Current Mascot
Tusk VI (2022–present) is the current live mascot. He is the brother of Tusk V. He is also the son of Tusk IV. Tusk VI became the mascot after Tusk V passed away in 2023.
Past University of Arkansas Live Mascots
The tradition of live mascots at the University of Arkansas started in the 1960s. Many hogs have represented the university over the years. Besides being at sports events, some mascots were known for their adventures. The animal mascot was once called "Big Red." Now, that name is only used for the person in the costume, Big Red.
There are stories of past animal mascots getting into mischief. For example, Big Red III once escaped from an animal exhibit in 1977. Ragnar, another mascot, also escaped in 1978. He was a wild hog caught in south Arkansas.
