For the first time since 2007, LSU will have a new tiger mascot roaming the sidelines at Tiger Stadium.
LSU announced Monday that the school’s live tiger, Mike VI, has an inoperable cancer and will receive a first-of-its-kind treatment in Baton Rouge.
Mike’s diagnosis is spindle cell sarcoma, and he has a tumor near his nose. According to the school, Mike could live anywhere from one month to two years with his rare form of cancer. Specialists at LSU and Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lakes Cancer Center in Baton Rouge hope a new kind of radiation treatment will allow Mike to live longer and live comfortably.
Mike is the sixth live tiger mascot LSU has had. The school has had a live tiger mascot since 1936. Per school tradition, Mike’s cage is located right next to the visiting team’s entrance as a scare tactic. The current Mike made his debut during the 2007 football season, despite some pushback from PETA. LSU went on to win the BCS National Championship in Mike’s first season.
Though Mike’s time as LSU’s live mascot is short, vets from LSU said Mike’s behavior has been unchanged since his diagnosis. Mike’s absence will certainly loom large as Les Miles and the Tigers enter an important 2016 season.
