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Live mascot Mike the Tiger will not appear at LSU home games in 2016
By Jason Hall
Published:
LSU will not feature live mascot, Mike The Tiger, during home games in 2016, according to a news release from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Mike VI, the current incarnation of the mascot, is recovering stereotactic radiotherapy after being diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma in May.
“LSU has never forced Mike VI to attend the pre-game events; the decision to get into his trailer has always been left up to him,” said Vet School Director of Public Relations Ginger Guttner in the release. “LSU understands that the tradition of having Mike on the field on game day is important; however, Mike’s health, safety and well-being are always our top priority.”
Mike was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a type of cancer, in May. He received stereotactic radiotherapy at Baton Rouge’s Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center on June 1.
“It appears that the tumor in Mike’s face responded to the radiation treatment and has shrunk in size. Mike’s attitude, weight and appetite are normal, and he does not appear to be in any pain,” Guttner said in the release. “Eventually, the radiation-resistant cells remaining in the tumor will resume growth. As for time frames, it is estimated that without treatment Mike would have lived for just one or two months; with treatment, perhaps one to two years.”
LSU has used six incarnations of Mike the Tiger since October 21, 1936. Mike VI was born on July 23, 2005 and came to LSU when he was two years old.
The tiger lives in a habitat situated between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, which features state-of-the-art technologies and includes plantings, a waterfall a flowing stream that empties into a wading pond and rocky plateaus. Mike’s habitat can be viewed via the live Tigercam at MiketheTiger.com.
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
