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The Tiger Mascot and the Football Game

Louisiana State University's (LSU) beloved tiger mascot, Mike the Tiger, has been a staple at football games for decades. But recently, the university has decided to keep Mike VII, the current tiger, confined to his habitat next to the Maravich Assembly Center, sparking debate and raising questions about the future of the tiger at LSU football games.

• Mike VII has never attended a football game since becoming the official mascot in 2017, marking a break from tradition.
• LSU's veterinary school cited concerns about Mike VII's reactions to the loud and stimulating environment of a football game, particularly the pre-game festivities.

Abraham's Solution: A Second Tiger

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, an LSU alumnus, has proposed a solution to LSU's reluctance to bring Mike to games: getting a second tiger.

• Abraham believes a second tiger, ideally a young cub, could be trained to handle the environment of a football game.
• He suggests naming the new tiger "Mikey" and proposes alumni fund a second habitat for it.

Landry and the "Pet Project"

The idea of reviving the tradition of having Mike at games has been a "pet project" for Governor Jeff Landry and Abraham, who have been engaged in ongoing discussions with LSU's veterinary school for several weeks.

• Governor Landry and Abraham have been vocal advocates for bringing Mike to games, emphasizing the tradition and the importance of the tiger mascot to LSU's identity.
• They argue that Mike VII, while safe in his habitat, needs to experience more than just confinement.

The Veterinary School's Position

LSU's veterinary school, however, remains hesitant about bringing Mike to games, expressing concerns about the animal's well-being.

• The veterinary school spokesperson stated they are not in discussions to bring Mike to any games this season.
• They emphasize the importance of prioritizing the tiger's safety and well-being over the tradition of having him at games.

The Debate Continues: Tradition vs. Safety

The debate surrounding Mike the Tiger's presence at games highlights the tension between tradition and the concerns for animal welfare.

• Supporters argue that having the tiger mascot at games is an integral part of the LSU football experience and a key element of the university's identity.
• Critics argue that the safety and well-being of the animal should be the top priority, and that the loud, crowded, and potentially stressful environment of a football game might be detrimental to the tiger's health.

A Second Tiger: A Potential Compromise?

Abraham's proposal to acquire a second tiger may be seen as a potential compromise, allowing the university to maintain the tradition of having a tiger at games while ensuring the safety and well-being of the original tiger.

• The idea would require careful consideration of the training, care, and accommodation of a second tiger.
• It would also involve extensive discussions with LSU's veterinary school and potential funding from alumni.

The Future of Mike and LSU Football

The future of Mike the Tiger's presence at LSU football games remains uncertain. The debate continues, with supporters of the tradition advocating for the return of the tiger to games, while those prioritizing the animal's well-being express concerns about the potential impact of a game environment on the tiger.

• The outcome of the discussions between Governor Landry, Abraham, and LSU's veterinary school will determine the fate of the tiger mascot at LSU games.
• The university faces a difficult decision balancing tradition with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of their beloved mascot.