I have always favored the "BLUGOLD MACAW" or Blue and Gold Macaw, an actual species of Macaw native to the Neotropical (American) rain forest. This species is currently endangered due to habitat destruction and capture for the pet market. Proceedings from sale of Blugold mascot material may be donated or utilized for rainforest habitat preservation and bird conservation.

Blue and Gold Macaws make great pets and are long-lived, living for fifty years or more in captivity. However it is best to use birds born and raised in captivity for the pet market since the capture of wild specimens may contribute to a decline of the species in the wild. Like other species of parrots and macaws, this species may be taught to speak. However this practice is not recommended for a Blugold Macaw mascot, since the mascot may pick up objectionable language for which it may be penalized or a technical foul called on the athletic field or basketball court. Other schools have had difficulty with live mascots; once a live Wisconsin bdger was removed from the field for chasing a dressed up Northwestern "Wildcat" mascot up the goal post during a football game. A similar incident also befell a live wolverine which escaped onto the football field at Ann Arbor; the wolverine had been imported from Canada or Alaska since no live wolverines were available in Michigan at the time.

Hey, remember what massive baby Casey Driscoll tuned out to be when The Spectator editorial board made a few suggestions about his mascot initiative? The editorial applauded his enthusiasm, but cautioned that he should make it about more than his own vision. Then he and and his friends freaked, saying he's like the nicest most wonderful guy ever. Probably since Gandhi. And this after all the front page and Student Life coverage he'd already gotten, allowing him to tout his ideas.