Primacorza

Sergei Primacorza (real name Alexander Ben Owens, February 27, 1987 - December 25, 2007) a Nittany Lion from Pennsylvania, U.S.A., his alias is derived from the old Spanish word "Primacorça" ("prEEm-uh-courts-uh",) meaning "first roebock" or "youngbuck".

Biography
Prima was born in 1987 in North Carolina to a military family and spent most of his time moving around. Never staying in one spot, he never gained any long lasting relationships outside of his family and often felt a deeper connection to animals than people.

Quite often times his only companions were his animals, and he created a social world around them, learning empathy and relationships from his two dogs and the various horses and dogs he ultimately trained as a child. Primacorza had lived in San Diego, Okinawa (Japan), North Carolina, Iowa, Virginia, Colorado, and New York City. His final "home" was in a small farm in Pennsylvania, but he last resided in Camp Pendleton, while serving his country as a U.S. Marine, which he joined at the age of 17.

Fandom involvement
Prima developed online relationships that eventually transmitted his already animalistic tendencies towards the somewhat more socially acceptable furry subculture. Originally a donkey with a strong deer affinity, he became known as "youngbuck" for his surprising intellect and desire at the young age of 14.

Military service
Primacorza served in the Marines with merit. He was honored at the Marine Corps Ball in 2005 as the youngest Marine at 17 years old, ultimately reaching the rank of Corporal. Among Primacorza’s honors, he earned the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Death
Primacorza passed away in his sleep on Christmas morning 2007 at the age of 20 from natural causes while serving on active duty at Camp Pendleton, CA.