The LSU live mascot, also known as the LSU Tiger, is an iconic symbol of Louisiana State University. The live mascot has been a tradition at LSU since 1936, when the first tiger named "Mike" was donated to the university by an animal collector. Since then, the live mascot has become an integral part of LSU's identity and spirit. The current live mascot, Mike VII, resides in a habitat on LSU's campus called "Tiger Stadium," which is specially designed to provide him with a comfortable and secure environment. He is cared for by a team of professionals who ensure that he receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and enrichment activities to keep him happy and healthy. The LSU Tiger is a symbol of strength, courage, and pride.
The LSU Tiger is a symbol of strength, courage, and pride. He represents the university's athletic teams, known as the LSU Tigers, as they compete in various sports. The live mascot often attends home football games at Tiger Stadium, where he can be seen roaming around his habitat, delighting fans and boosting team spirit.
PETA wants LSU to stop live mascot tradition
On Monday morning, LSU announced that its live tiger mascot, Mike VI, had been diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer that could limit the remainder of his life to anywhere from one month to two years.
Not long after, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent out a press release and called for LSU to end the football program’s tradition of caring for a live mascot — one that dates back all the way to 1936.
Below is the full text of the letter sent to the university:
“I’m writing on behalf of PETA, which has more than 5 million members and supporters worldwide, including tens of thousands in Louisiana, to offer our sympathies about Mike the tiger’s cancer diagnosis. I would also like to request that you consider the following information about how tigers suffer in captivity and make Mike VI Louisiana State University’s (LSU) last live mascot.
“Captive big cats (who naturally shun human contact) are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them. They live in perpetual states of confinement, discomfort, and stress and, at LSU games, are subjected to a constant barrage of disorienting lights and activity. They often become despondent and develop neurotic and self-destructive types of behavior, including pacing, bar-biting, and self-mutilation. Tigers are particularly unsuited to captivity because they require large areas to roam and opportunities to swim and climb. Even under the best of care, a tiger’s most basic instincts are thwarted in captivity, and continuing to use live animals as mascots perpetuates the cruel notion that sensitive, complex wild animals should be caged and put on display like championship trophies.
“People go to LSU football games because they want to see top college athletes playing the best football in the country, not because there’s a caged tiger sitting on the sidelines. I hope you agree that it’s time to recognize society’s growing distaste for animal exhibition and bring a new tradition to LSU of using only willing, costumed human mascots. Orcas don’t belong in tanks, elephants don’t belong in the circus, and tigers do not belong in stadiums. In his sickly condition, Mike VI should not be wheeled out to games this coming season. Generations of tigers have given LSU everything they have—isn’t it time for LSU to give something back? We hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.”
According to the school, Mike VI’s captivity or mascot duties has nothing to do with his ailment. And per the Baton Rouge Advocate, the university has let him “choose” whether he attends home games or not, stating that he’s only been to one game the last two seasons.
“Our primary concern right now is caring for Mike VI and making sure he gets the best possible medical treatment for his condition,” an LSU spokesperson said in a statement regarding PETA’s call to action. “This is not the time to discuss football season or a new tiger mascot. We are focused on Mike’s health and well-being at this time.”
Beyond his role as a mascot, the LSU Tiger also serves as an ambassador for the university. He makes appearances at events both on and off-campus, interacting with students, fans, and alumni. His presence brings joy and excitement to the LSU community and fosters a sense of unity among students, faculty, and fans. LSU takes great pride in its live mascot program and is committed to the well-being and conservation of the LSU Tigers. The university works closely with local and international organizations to promote tiger conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures in the wild. In conclusion, the LSU live mascot, the LSU Tiger, is a beloved symbol of Louisiana State University. He embodies the spirit and tradition of the university and brings joy and excitement to the LSU community. Through his presence and ambassadorship, the LSU Tiger enhances the university's identity and fosters a sense of pride among students, alumni, and fans..
Reviews for "Mike the Tiger's Legacy: A Symbol of Strength and Pride at LSU"
1. John - 1 star:
I was extremely disappointed with Lsu live mascit. The quality of the performance was completely subpar. The singers were off-key and seemed unprepared. The stage setup was also very basic and lacked creativity. Overall, it felt like a waste of time and money. I do not recommend attending any future shows by Lsu live mascit.
2. Sarah - 2 stars:
I had high hopes for Lsu live mascit, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The sound system was terrible, making it difficult to hear the performers. Additionally, the choreography was messy and uncoordinated. It was evident that the production lacked proper rehearsals. While I appreciated the effort put into the costumes, they could not make up for the lackluster performance. I would advise looking for other live shows that offer better production quality.
3. Michael - 2 stars:
Lsu live mascit was a letdown for me. The show lacked originality and failed to captivate the audience. The performances felt repetitive, with similar routines and songs throughout. The energy of the performers was also lacking, making the overall experience quite dull. I expected more from a live show, and unfortunately, this did not meet my expectations. I wouldn't waste my time or money on Lsu live mascit in the future.
4. Emily - 1 star:
Lsu live mascit was a complete disaster. The performers seemed to lack talent and were poorly trained. The vocals were off, and some even forgot the lyrics. The show lacked coherence, with disjointed scenes and transitions. It was clear that the production was rushed and poorly organized. I left halfway through the show, feeling extremely disappointed. I would not recommend Lsu live mascit to anyone who appreciates quality performances.