COLUMBIA — The brief roar for having a live tiger mascot at University of Missouri football games has faded to a whimper.
The proposal by Missouri Students Association President Tim Noce drew widespread public criticism. He now says the proposal was "blown completely out of proportion" and is not a priority.
A student committee will instead explore whether the school could build a proper habitat for an abused or neglected tiger and have it cared for by animal science experts.
Noce has also suggested that Missouri sponsor a tiger at an existing zoo or animal sanctuary.
Both alternatives would be funded with private donations rather than public money.