Lemur Proves To Be Very Smart Mascot

Alabama Team Brings Monkey-like Pet To Matches

By Andrew Meyers/USTA Southern Intern

Ruffed Lemurs are indigenous only on the island of Madagascar, but a special one currently resides in Gadsen, Ala. Tennis players around Alabama have gotten to know Eska, the official mascot of the Gadsen Country Club Kings.  

Team member Jerry Paul Tinsley spends much of his time raising exotic animals. Tinsley has his own exotic rescue farm, and for some time he had a growing interest in lemurs. Tinsley traveled to Durham, N.C.’s Duke University, home to the largest lemur habitat in the world, to pick up Eska.

In case anyone isn’t aware, you cannot just bring home a lemur from a pet store. An exotic animal license is required, and there is a waiting list that could take months.

After months of waiting, Eska finally made her way to Gadsen, and would become an integral part of the GCC Kings, when she snuck her way to the team’s practice in Tinsley’s tennis bag.

At the state tournament in Mobile, the GCC Kings advanced to the championship round, and Eska was there for all of it.

After having to move out of their original hotel due to BP employees needing rooms for the oil spill cleanup, the team was forced to relocate and snuck Eska into the hotel. When the team gathered in Tinsley’s room before they went to dinner, Eska was forced to stay behind. Many restaurants frown upon someone bringing a wild primate into the building.

Before leaving for dinner, Tinsley “monkey-proofed” his hotel room, which consists of duck taping anything and everything that could be opened, turned on or broken. Returning back to the hotel, the team decided to return to Tinsley’s room to tell Eska goodnight, but it turns out they did not “monkey-proof” everything.

Obviously upset about not being invited to dinner, Eska decided to close the latch to the door, locking everyone out. Instead of asking hotel management for help and risking possible eviction, the GCC Kings banded together and were able to gain access to Tinsley’s room. It is that kind of teamwork, like breaking into your own hotel room, that makes for championship teams. The GCC Kings eventually won States, and are now looking to take the title here.

The team from Gadsen, along with their exotic mascot, have proven to be a formidable opponent. Hopefully, Eska will be able to make another appearance at the Section Championships next year.