"I've been wanting to do this for awhile. I feel like this is something we're lacking," said West Halls Sen. Justin Wade Blankenbicker. "If it actually becomes a mascot, it will be a highly respected animal, probably the best kept mountain lion ever."
Blankenbicker added he would go to different organizations with the proposition.
The senate debated the issue with mixed views. Many concerns were voiced at the meeting, a main concern being the safety of students and caretakers.
"Mountain lions in Pennsylvania aren't the nicest of animals to have as a mascot," said Town Sen. Mike Fedor.
Fedor said the resolution has to be a little more realistic.
Some senators said there are alternative ways they would want to spend the money toward helping mountain lions.
"I think that there are other ways to celebrate our Penn State pride -- our pride in the mascot.
Having a living animal on campus is not the way," said USG vice-president Kelly O'Brien.
Blankenbicker said he believes that Penn State is lacking in school spirit. He wrote the resolution, which states, "a living mascot could be a benefit to athletics and academics, spirit and tradition and alumni and prospective students alike."
Fedor said the university could set up an endowment for mountain lions in care at area zoos and animal reserves. He also suggested making the endowment as a possible senior class gift.
O'Brien said, "We should be proud of our furry friend, the Nittany lion and our shrine."
Blankenbicker said the email address lion_mascot.psu.edu is open for feedback.
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