Mike VII, the Tiger

The tiger mascot is selected by LSU”s attending veterinarian. Mikes I, II, and III came from zoos. Mikes IV, V, VI, and VII were donated by wildlife sanctuaries.

LSU’s first live tiger mascot, Mike I, arrived on campus on October 21, 1936. While the first three tigers were purchased from zoos, Mikes IV, V, VI, and VII were donated to LSU by sanctuaries and rescue facilities. LSU is dedicated to providing a good home for a tiger that needs one. Mike lives on campus in a 15,000 square foot habitat with grass, rocks, pools, and a waterfall. His care is provided by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Mike VII was born September 13, 2016. When he arrived at LSU on August 15, 2017, he was 11 months old and weighed 179 pounds. Mike VII, who has both Siberian and Bengal characteristics, was donated to LSU from a sanctuary in Okeechobee, Fla., called “Wild at Heart Wildlife Center.” He was introduced to the LSU community on August 21, 2017. Learn more online at www.lsu.edu/mikethetiger