So much for the traditional donkeys and elephants during election season. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County’s annual fundraiser, Mayor of Whidbey Island, raised money for local pets on the island to take a leadership role as mayor.

It was a close race between Baby Roo-Roo, the rooster, and Lu Lu the dog.

Big Brothers Big Sisters election officials announced Baby Roo-Roo as the winner of the Whidbey Island mayoral election of 2012. Baby Roo-Roo brought in 857 votes, and runner-up Lu Lu was close behind with 807 votes. The new mayor vows to provide a leadership role, with his number one priority to make sure kids on Whidbey Island get the support they deserve, according to a press release.

The election concluded the fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County on Nov. 6. A total of 2,045 votes were cast, exceeding last year’s turnout.

After the announcement, Baby Roo-Roo’s campaign manager, Donna Jones, thanked Baby Roo-Roo’s voters by making a statement on his behalf: “As your mayor, I will not disappoint. I will continue to work hard until every child has a Big Brother or Big Sister to count on. We all — roosters, chickens, dogs, cats, humans — have to come together to support our community.”

As a part of his mayoral duties, Baby Roo-Roo will make public appearances at Big Brothers Big Sisters events to oversee the positive impact in the community.

“The money the candidates raised will be used to match more children with mentors in the community,” said Peggy Dyer, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I am very excited to welcome a new breed in this elected office, and we are delighted to have so many wonderful four- and two-legged ambassadors in our community now.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters also wants to thank the campaign managers and all those who donated.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County, visit www.bbbsislandcounty.org or call 360-279-0644.