LSU Mascot, Mike IV Dies at 17

LSU Tiger fans were shocked Friday, May 18, 2007 to learn that their beloved Bengal Tiger Mascot, Mike The Tiger V had passed away during the early morning hours around 2:30 am as announced by LSU Sports. The news came as "breaking news" soon afterwards from all the local television and radio stations. The facts concerning Mike's death are unknown at this time, as well as the cause of death. A press conference has been scheduled for 2:00 pm this afternoon at the Louisiana State University Vet School.

Mike V was born on Oct. 18, 1989 in Alabama and came to LSU as a young tiger cub. He was first presented to the public at a basketball game against Alabama. Mike V was donated to LSU by Dr. Thomas and Caroline Atchison of the Animal House Zoological Park in Moulton, AL. Mike's home on campus was totally renovated in 2005, and covers over 15,000 square feet of natural habitat. It has been called a "State of the Art" complex and includes lots of vegetation, a waterfall, an oak tree, beautiful stream surrounded by large natural looking stones that Mike can be found swimming in to cool off during the hot and humid summer months. The tiger habitat is located on the campus beside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and across the street from Tiger Stadium.

The tradition of the Bengal Tiger is that for every tiger roar before a football game, it signifies the score of a touchdown for LSU. However, Mike V did not attend any live football games since that practice was discontinued in the 70's due to complaints of putting a live Bengal Tiger in a portable cage with limited room.

Mike The Tiger is a well known mascot across the United States that earned the title of "Most Collegiate Mascot" in both 2002 and 2003 at the UCA Collegiate Camp held in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama. He has also been shown in numerous national television commercials, including commercials for ESPN's Game Day commercials, as well as other local commercials.

Previous Bengal Tiger mascots have died from kidney failure (Mike I), complications associated to fractured leg (Mike II), pneumonia (Mike III), and Mike IV was put to sleep due to health complications after retiring to the Baton Rouge Zoo.

Mike V will be sorely missed by fans, students and staff members. The Tiger habitat is a very popular attraction on campus for visitors. You will find visitors standing around the habitat at any given time during the day watching the Tiger as he strolled across his natural habitat. His memory and beauty will live on for many years in the lives of Tiger fans.

LSU will be conducting a search for the next Bengal Tiger Mascot, Mike VI.

Sources:

LSU Sports
The Advocate
Mike The Tiger
Louisiana State University