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. A live mascot means a real animal represents the team. 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 important events. He travels to every home football game. These games are in Fayetteville or Little Rock. He also attends some away games, like the annual Southwest Classic game. This game is against Texas A&M in Dallas. Tusk also goes to some basketball and baseball games. He even attends pep rallies.
When Tusk travels, he rides in a special pen. This pen is cardinal red and moves through the crowds. Cheerleaders ride on the upper level. This makes Tusk a big favorite with the fans. During games, Tusk is moved into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Everyone in the stadium can see him. Tusk has even learned to give kisses to brave people!
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Tusk's Home and Care
Tusk lives in a special home near Dardanelle, Arkansas. He has a large indoor area that is about 9,000 square feet. This indoor space helps him stay cool and protected from the sun. He also has a big outdoor fenced area, about 7,000 square feet.
Why Tusk Needs Mud Baths
The outdoor area has several mud holes. One of the first things Tusk does each day is take a mud bath. Wild boars like Tusk are very muscular. They have very little body fat. The mud helps keep them cool all day long. It also protects their skin from the sun and insects. Before Tusk goes to any public events, he gets a special shampoo and wash. This makes sure he looks his best for everyone.
Supporting the Mascot Program
In 2008, the Razorback Athletics department started the Tusk Fund. This fund helps pay for Tusk's care. It covers his food, housing, and other needs. This ensures the live mascot program can continue.
Other Live Mascots
Tusk is one of several live animal mascots in the SEC. Other teams also have real animals as their symbols.
- Uga is a bulldog for the Georgia Bulldogs.
- Mike the Tiger is a tiger for the LSU Tigers.
- Bully is a bulldog for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
- Sir Big Spur is a rooster for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
- Smokey is a bluetick coonhound for the Tennessee Volunteers.
- Bevo is a steer for the Texas Longhorns.
- Reveille is a collie for the Texas A&M Aggies.
Some teams also have live animals as mascot-like symbols. These include War Eagle (an eagle) for the Auburn Tigers and Boomer and Sooner (ponies) for the Oklahoma Sooners. There are only a few other live animal mascots in the United States.
The Tusk Family Tree
All the Russian boars named Tusk have lived on a farm. This farm is near Dardanelle, Arkansas. The Stokes family takes care of them. All the official Tusks have come from the same family line.
Tusk I (1997–2004)
The idea for Tusk I started in 1994. Keith Stokes, who was part of the Arkansas Pork Producers Association, was asked to find a wild hog. This hog would become the live mascot. Stokes found a wild hog near Greenbrier, Arkansas. This hog became Tusk I. He started the Tusk family line in 1997. Tusk I was the mascot for eight years. He lived at the Little Rock Zoo for his first four football seasons. In 2001, he moved to the Tyson Foods Farm. Tusk I became the father of Tusk II in 2002. He passed away in December 2004.
Tusk II (2004–2010)
Tusk II took over after Tusk I passed away in December 2004. Tusk II was known for "signing" autographs. A real hoof print of Tusk II was used to make an ink stamp. Kids and fans could get this stamp on paper or T-shirts. Russian boars are very strong and surprisingly fast. Tusk II weighed almost 500 pounds. He was known for jumping over a four-foot gate!
Tusk III (2010–2011)
Tusk III became the mascot after Tusk II passed away on January 5, 2010. Tusk III was the brother of Tusk II. Both were sons of Tusk I. Tusk III served as the temporary live mascot for the 2010 football season. This was because Tusk IV was still too young to take on the role.
Tusk IV (2011–2019)
Tusk IV was the son of Tusk II. He was born on February 20, 2010. Tusk IV became the official live mascot for the 2011 football season. His caretakers said he was the calmest and friendliest Tusk so far. This was because he was raised and handled by humans from birth. Tusk IV even made news for sending flowers to the retiring Texas mascot, Bevo. Tusk IV passed away on January 12, 2020.
Tusk V (2019–2022)
Tusk V 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 January 15, 2023. His last appearance at a sporting event was the 2022 Liberty Bowl. The Razorbacks won that game 55-53 in triple overtime. During his time as mascot, the football team won two of their three bowl games. The Razorback athletics program also won many SEC championships. He was the mascot during two very successful years for the program.
Tusk VI (2022–present)
Tusk VI is the brother of Tusk V. He is also the son of Tusk IV. He became the mascot after Tusk V passed away in 2023. Tusk VI is the current live mascot for the University of Arkansas.
Past Live Mascots
The tradition of live mascots at the University of Arkansas goes back to the 1960s. Many hogs have represented the university over the years. Besides being at sporting events, some also became known for their adventures. The animal mascot was once called "Big Red." Now, that name is only used for the costumed human mascot, Big Red.
Some past animal mascots had interesting stories. For example, Big Red III once escaped from an animal exhibit in 1977. Ragnar, another wild hog mascot, was known for being very wild and strong. He passed away in 1978.
