Beloved University of Texas Mascot Bevo Has Cancer, Will Retire

Bevo XIV, who has served as the University of Texas mascot since 2004, was diagnosed with Bovine Leukemia and is retiring, the school announced Tuesday.

The diagnosis was made last week, the school said, and officials determined he could no longer carry on in his current role.

“Bevo XIV is a special animal,” Ricky Brennes, Executive Director of the Silver Spurs and Bevo XIV’s traveling partner, said in a school press release. “He truly embraced his role and loved engaging with people at games and special events, and at his ranch – where he will continue to live - he was clearly the leader of the herd.”

The search for Bevo XV will begin immediately.

Moving forward, Bevo XIV “will rest comfortably on the ranch and in the company of John T. and Betty Baker, the owners and caretakers of both Bevo XIV and his predecessor Bevo XIII,” the release said.

Image via the University of Texas