BIG 18" AUBIE TIGER of AUBURN UNIVERSITY & FRIEND

Updated August 8, 2026

AVAILABLE for SHIPPING or LOCAL PICKUP > A pair of vintage tiger stuffed plush toys, including a large Auburn University Aubie Tiger measuring approximately 18" tall when posed standing, together with a smaller comparable tiger bearing an Animal Fair label. The larger example wears a white shirt printed with ~ AU ~ and ~ AUBURN ~ varsity-style lettering flanking a standing tiger, together with a blue-and-orange cap having ~ AUBURN ~ across the bill. A sewn label at the bottom reads ~ AUBIE TIGER ~ 1986 ~ MASCOT MEMORIES ~. The Mascot Memories name was used for stuffed toy animals by Praise Unlimited, Inc., which filed the trademark in 1987, closely corresponding with the 1986 date appearing on this plush. Aubie began as a cartoon tiger created by Birmingham artist Phil Neel for an Auburn football program cover in 1959. The character appeared on program covers for 18 years before being developed into a costumed mascot who debuted at the 1979 Southeastern Conference basketball tournament. Auburn identifies Aubie as the university’s spirit leader and goodwill ambassador, and the mascot has since earned national recognition through multiple collegiate mascot championships. The smaller tiger has a yellow-and-black striped body, white chest and muzzle, large applied eyes, rounded ears, seated posture and extended tail. The remaining tag identifies Animal Fair, a Minnesota stuffed-toy company associated with founder and designer George Grooms. Animal Fair operated a toy factory in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and became known for character plush animals and mascots; Grooms also developed an early version of Goldy Gopher for the University of Minnesota. Federal trademark records document Animal Fair producing numerous named fabric stuffed animals and puppets from the late 1960s through the 1970s. The smaller tiger bears no Auburn University lettering or emblem, though the striped coloration and general mascot-like appearance allow the two examples to display well together as vintage tiger and collegiate memorabilia. CONDITION REPORT > Both retain an appealing vintage appearance ~ Expects varying elements relative to age, handling and materials. As discovered not cleaned or altered.

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