The Anteater Mascot

Pete the Anteater

On November 30, 1965, the anteater was officially chosen in a student election as the mascot of UC Irvine, and “Zot!” the cry that an anteater was imagined to make when attacking its prey, became the campus battle cry. The choice was hailed for its originality, winning over the second place choice “None of these” and the more common – if less imaginative – eagles, unicorns and seahawks.

Inspired by Johnny Hart’s comic strip, “B.C.,” the anteater was, at first, not very well-received by members of campus administration who felt it was too “far out” and undignified to represent the campus. Some speculated that the anteater would not last. But the student body was behind the long-nosed, furry edentate all the way, and 40 years later, the Anteaters still prevail.

The campus convenience store is called “Zot-n-Go,” and when the administration sends e-mail announcements to the campus community, it is a “Zotmail.” A UCI emergency message to cellphones is a “zotAlert.” A sign at John Wayne International Airport reads “Welcome to Anteater Country.” Student bills are paid through “Zot Account” and a new lexicon has emerged with UCI’s national athletic achievements – fans are called “’Eater Nation.”