A grassroots movement is underway to replace the retired University of Illinois mascot Chief Illiniwek with the belted kingfisher, a bird seen throughout the state.
Originally Published:
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John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune
University of Illinois student Ellie Rebellón views co-created renderings of her prototype belted kingfisher mascot costume at the Siebel Center for Design on the university campus on April 11, 2023, in Champaign. The belted kingfisher could become the new school mascot, replacing the previous Chief Illiniwek. 
