Mike VI In a recent press conference, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his enthusiastic support for the idea of having a live tiger mascot on the field during LSU football games. This came in response to a journalist’s inquiry about the possibility of seeing a live tiger at Tiger Stadium for the remainder of the season. While Landry did not provide a definitive answer regarding the logistics, his excitement for the proposal was clear.
“I think that the opportunity to bring our mascot back on that field is an unbelievable opportunity,” Landry stated, highlighting the special connection that LSU fans have with their tiger mascot, Mike VI, who passed away in 2016. Since then, Mike VII has taken on the role of LSU’s mascot, but he has primarily been transported to games in a trailer, limiting the fans’ direct interaction with the live animal.
The press conference, held at Memorial Tower on the LSU campus, was initially convened to discuss new policies related to free speech at public universities. However, Landry took the opportunity to address concerns surrounding the well-being of a live tiger in a stadium filled with enthusiastic fans.
Landry reassured those worried about the implications of having a tiger in such a lively environment, arguing that tigers in sanctuaries typically live longer and healthier lives compared to their wild counterparts. “The tigers that live in sanctuaries live a lot longer than the tigers that live out in the wild,” he explained, noting that wild tigers do not have immediate access to veterinary care. He urged those concerned to “calm down,” emphasizing that the well-being of the animal could be adequately managed.
When approached for comment, LSU athletics officials remained tight-lipped about the prospect of bringing Mike VII to games. A recent report from the Louisiana Illuminator indicated that the LSU veterinary school stated there were currently no discussions about featuring Mike VII at any home games this season.
Adding to the conversation, Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, who has a decade of experience as a veterinarian, voiced his support for the idea of reintroducing a live tiger to the games. “As a veterinarian, certainly we’ve got to treat him humanely, we’ve got to respect him,” Abraham noted, but he also emphasized the need for the tiger to experience life beyond the confines of a sanctuary. “At least let him enjoy a little bit of life,” he urged, reinforcing the sentiment that LSU fans would cherish the opportunity to see Mike the Tiger in action once again.
As discussions continue about the possibility of bringing a live tiger back to Tiger Stadium, it remains to be seen whether the enthusiasm from leaders like Governor Landry and Surgeon General Abraham will influence the decision-making process regarding the beloved mascot. The hope is that a compromise can be reached that prioritizes both the tiger’s well-being and the traditions cherished by LSU fans.