Roaring Controversy: Louisiana Governor Backs Bringing Back LSU's Live Tiger Mascot

In a move that has sparked debate among animal rights advocates and sports enthusiasts alike, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has voiced his support for reviving the tradition of bringing LSU's live tiger mascot onto the football field before home games. The practice, which has been dormant for nearly a decade, has raised concerns over the welfare and safety of the animal, but the governor believes it is an "unbelievable opportunity" that should be explored.

Unleashing the Tradition: Governor Landry Backs LSU's Live Mascot Return

Reviving the Roar: Governor Landry's Push for LSU's Live Tiger Mascot

Governor Jeff Landry's endorsement of reintroducing LSU's live tiger mascot onto the football field has reignited a long-standing debate. The governor believes that the opportunity to showcase the school's iconic feline symbol is too significant to pass up, despite concerns raised by animal rights organizations. Landry's comments come at a time when LSU has not publicly indicated whether it is willing to revive the tradition, leaving the decision in the hands of the university's administration.

The Tiger's Plight: Animal Welfare Concerns Surrounding LSU's Live Mascot

The prospect of bringing back LSU's live tiger mascot has drawn strong opposition from animal rights groups, most notably PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The organization has argued that the practice is inherently cruel and dangerous, as tigers are naturally solitary animals that do not belong in the raucous environment of a football stadium. PETA has appealed to Governor Landry to reconsider his support, describing the idea as a "boneheaded" move that would return the school to the "bad old days" of using a wild animal as a "sideline sideshow."

A Decade of Silence: The Absence of LSU's Live Tiger Mascot

It has been nearly a decade since a Bengal Tiger has graced the field of LSU's famed Tiger Stadium, where the school's football team plays. The university's decision to discontinue the practice was made by the caretakers of the veterinary school, who determined that the stress and potential risks to the animal's well-being outweighed the tradition's entertainment value. This move came after a gradual shift in the way the live mascot was presented, with the university eventually opting to use a stuffed Tigger doll to elicit the tiger's roar instead of directly interacting with the animal.

The Legacy of Mike the Tiger: LSU's Iconic Live Mascot

For years, LSU's live mascot, affectionately known as "Mike the Tiger," was a beloved fixture at the school's home games. The tiger would be transported to the stadium in a travel trailer, with cheerleaders riding on top, and parked next to the opposing team's locker room, forcing the visiting players to pass by the caged animal. In the past, the tiger was even prodded to elicit a roar, though this practice was eventually discontinued. The live mascot also accompanied the team to away games, including the 1985 Sugar Bowl and a 1991 game at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The Current State of LSU's Live Mascot Program

Following the passing of the school's previous live mascot, Mike VI, in 2016, LSU announced that future "Mike the Tigers" would no longer be brought onto the field for games. The university's current live mascot, Mike VII, a 345-pound tiger donated to the school in 2017, is housed in a 15,000-square-foot enclosure on campus, adjacent to the stadium. While visitors can still view the tiger, the animal is no longer paraded in front of the crowds during football games.

The Broader Landscape of Live Mascots in College Sports

LSU is not the only university that has embraced the tradition of a live mascot. Other notable examples include Yale University's Handsome Dan, a bulldog; the University of Texas at Austin's Bevo the Longhorn, who appears on the field before football games; and the University of Colorado's Ralphie the Buffalo, which runs across the field with its handlers before kickoff. These live mascots have become integral parts of their respective schools' identities and game-day experiences, though the practice remains a subject of ongoing debate.