Add Mike VII to the group around LSU who have received the COVID-19.
One of the more well-known mascots in college sports reportedly received his second dose on Aug. 6, the school reported in a news release. The vaccine was donated by Zoetis, which is donating more than 11,000 of its COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health and well-being of more than 100 mammalian species living in zoos, conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions, and government organizations located in 27 states.
The school said Mike VII, who is 4-years-old, has not shown any adverse effects from the vaccine.
In 2020, lions and tigers at the Bronx Zoo were diagnosed with the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. It is believed that the animals contracted the virus from zookeepers. Because of this, in 2020 LSU put up barricades around the Tiger Habitat to keep visitors at least 10 feet from Mike VII. Now that Mike has been vaccinated, the barricades will be removed the week of Aug. 17.
In recent years, ahead of LSU games, Mike VII has enjoyed raw meat in the likeness of the upcoming opponent, such as a BYU Cougar, for example.
LSU has had a live tiger since Oct. 21, 1936, and the last three tigers have been donated from rescue facilities.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
