Siena University Saint Bernard mascot Baloo is currently training a puppy named Baby Baloo to take over his campus duties.
Siena University in New York is preparing for a major transition as its beloved live mascot, a Saint Bernard named Baloo, gets ready for retirement after nearly five years of dedicated service on campus.
To ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities, handler Charles Rice introduced a three-month-old puppy named Baby Baloo, who is now shadowing the older dog to learn appropriate behavior for crowded events, according to information published by dexerto.
As Baloo approaches his seventh birthday, the younger canine is stepping up to learn the ropes of university life, attending games and public appearances to prepare for his future role as the official campus representative.
How Baby Baloo Learns Mascot Behaviors
Handler Charles Rice explained that dogs naturally rely on observation and mimicry during their developmental stages, making repetition a vital part of the training process for the new puppy.
Baby Baloo is literally just following suit with whatever he sees Baloo doing, Rice noted, highlighting the mentor relationship between the retiring Saint Bernard and his tiny successor.
Preparing For Campus Chaos and Crowds
During an exhibition match against Syracuse at the MVP Arena, the young puppy wore a special vest that reads In Training, Do Not Pet, which he will likely wear until January.
Rice stated that the vest helps the puppy learn to self-regulate amid the chaos of a live game, keeping him focused on his handler while getting used to loud sights and sounds.
Future Growth and Retirement Plans
While Baby Baloo currently weighs around 40 pounds, he is expected to reach a massive 190 pounds eventually, potentially surpassing the current 160-pound mascot in size.
Baloo is scheduled to officially retire at the end of this academic year, paving the way for Baby Baloo to take over as the sole university mascot in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Baloo at Siena University?
Baloo is a Saint Bernard who has served as the live mascot for Siena University in New York since 2021, attending basketball games and campus events.
Why is Baby Baloo wearing a vest?
Baby Baloo wears a vest that reads In Training, Do Not Pet to help him self-regulate and stay focused amidst the sights and sounds of crowded games.
When will Baloo retire from his mascot duties?
Baloo is expected to retire at the end of the current academic year, allowing his puppy successor to take over fully in 2027.
How big will Baby Baloo grow?
Baby Baloo currently weighs about 40 pounds, but the Saint Bernard puppy is expected to grow to around 190 pounds as an adult.
