LSU announced its plans for Mike VII, the school’s live tiger mascot, on Friday morning.
According to a release, David Baker, DVM, Ph.D., LSU’s attending veterinarian, is still in search for the next tiger. If everything goes according to plan, Mike VII is expected to enter his on-campus habitat in August after it undergoes renovations.
There will be one change for Mike VII, however, with the school announcing he will not enter Tiger Stadium on game days.
Instead, the mascot will remain in his yard so fans can still catch a glimpse.
More on the upgrades.
As further evidence of LSU’s dedication to providing the best, most responsible care for tigers, LSU is working to have the tiger habitat accredited as a tiger sanctuary. Becoming an accredited sanctuary means that LSU has met high standards of excellence in animal care and is operating ethically and responsibly. LSU believes that these changes are in the best interest of the longevity and ethical management of the LSU tiger mascot program.
Mikes IV, V and VI were all donated to LSU from rescue facilities. LSU has not purchased a tiger since Mike III in 1956, and LSU does not support the for-profit breeding of tigers. By becoming an accredited sanctuary, LSU is demonstrating its commitment to worldwide tiger conservation and hopes to raise awareness about the dwindling live tiger population and the plight of tigers kept illegally and/or inappropriately in captivity in the U.S.
The tiger habitat and LSU’s animal care plan are licensed by the USDA. The facility, tiger and animal care program are inspected annually to ensure that the facility and the program are in compliance with the Federal Animal Welfare Act and other USDA policies and guidelines.
The full release can be read here.
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