This morning, Dr. David Baker, LSU’s attending veterinarian, along with student caretakers, opened the door of the tiger habitat and officially welcomed Mike VII to campus. LSU Officially Welcomes Mike VII to Campus On the first day of classes at LSU, students aren’t the only ones getting a start at the university. LSU has not purchased a tiger since Mike III in 1958, and LSU does not support the for-profit breeding of tigers. The original enclosure was only 2,000 square feet in size and offered minimal amenities for the tigers.

LSU has not purchased a tiger since Mike III in 1958, and LSU does not support the for-profit breeding of tigers. By providing a home for a tiger that needs one, LSU hopes to raise awareness about the problem of irresponsible breeding and the plight of tigers kept illegally and/or inappropriately in captivity in the U.S. LSU has had a live tiger mascot on campus since Mike I arrived on campus on October 21, 1936.

The tiger announced early Monday as LSU’s new mascot, Mike VII, was something of child star – taking photos in the laps of tourists as a cub. Mike the Tiger, a famed live Bengal Tiger that serves as the graphic image of all LSU Athletics teams, resides between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mike the Tiger, a famed live Bengal Tiger that serves as the graphic image of all LSU Athletics teams, resides between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

By providing a home for a tiger that needs one, LSU hopes to raise awareness about the problem of irresponsible breeding and the plight of tigers kept illegally and/or inappropriately in captivity in the U.S. It had a building and a covered, caged enclosure with logs where Mike could climb and roam.