Jonathan the Husky
)[2] Traditionally, there are two Jonathan mascots: one is a student in a costume which resembles the university's Athletics logo, and the other is a live husky canine.
The co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega has helped to care for the canine Jonathan since 1970 when the Student Government wanted to get rid of the mascot.
[7] Jonathan II debuted November 8, 1935, at a pep rally prior to the annual football rivalry game against Rhode Island.
Before arriving in Storrs, Jonathan traveled to Antarctica to assist Admiral Richard E. Byrd with Operation Highjump during the winter of 1946 to 1947.
Bob Steiner, considered the most famous of husky trainers, would break an area of ice on campus's Mirror Lake for Jonathan to enjoy a cool swim in.
In 1951, Jonathan IV traveled to Madison Square Garden, NYC in to accompany the men's basketball team in their first NCAA tournament appearance.
[9] Jonathan IV was not a big fan of opposing basketball players and was known to growl when points were scored against UConn.
This made appearances at football games unpleasant for Jonathan V, where he would roll onto his back and moan at the loud noises.
[10] Alpha Phi Omega's theory was that two huskies served as Jonathan VIII and the mascot's name needed to reflect this.
[13] In 2023, a university news director clarified that the original Jonathan VIII was brought to campus in 1970 and died shortly after being hit by a car.
He made his debut 2 weeks after the unveiling of the majestic husky dog statue, and a month after the UConn Women's basketball team won its first NCAA National Championship.
Jonathan XI retired in 2001 but continued to represent UConn in a positive manner by participating in an animal therapy program.
He continued the UConn tradition of being a majestically brilliant all white husky that was cared for by Alpha Phi Omega.
Jonathan XIII was a rambunctious pup born in Hartstown PA.[15] After being selected to carry on the tradition of the UConn Husky, he received training at Connecticut K-9 and Behavioral Services in Watertown, CT.[15] Jonathan XIII made his debut March 9, 2008, and helped guide the men to victory over Cincinnati.
The delay in bringing in a new husky mascot was due to Alpha Phi Omega revamping their policies of caring for Jonathan.
[13] Other policies included a vetting process to show that Jonathan could handle large crowds and loud noise.
[13] In October 2019, post-retirement Jonathan XIII experienced a series of seizures, and a campaign to raise fund for his veterinary bills was held.
The campaign produced a surplus that was donated Pieper Memorial Veterinary Hospital to help families in need pay for their pet's care.
He has the more traditional black and white coat, with blue eyes, to reflect UConn's recent change in their mascot logo.
