Photo by University of Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The University of Minnesota tried to pull a fast one on some of its fans Friday when it announced the retirement of its mascot, Goldy Gopher, as part of an April Fools' Day prank.
"The popular mascot for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Goldy Gopher, announced today retirement from a post held by the gopher for more than half a century," a fake news release from the university read.
According to the new release, Goldy cited a desire to spend more time with his family as one of the reasons for his retirement.
The university didn't pass up the chance to make a dig at some of its Big Ten rivals with its prank, claiming "Bucky the Badger, Herky the Hawk, and Sparty the Spartan are said to be speechless with the news of their hero's retirement."
Read the full April Fools' Day news release at twin-cities.umn.edu.