Mike the Tiger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mike the Tiger |
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Mike VI
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| University | Louisiana State University |
| Conference | SEC |
| Description | Royal Bengal tiger |
| Origin of name | In honor of athletic trainer Chellis "Mike" Chambers |
| First seen | October 21, 1936 |
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Mike the Tiger is the famous mascot of Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He's the symbol for all LSU sports teams. There are two Mikes: a real, live tiger, and a person dressed in a tiger costume.
By tradition, the live Mike is a Bengal tiger. However, the most recent Mikes have been mixed-breed tigers. For example, Mike VI was a mix of Bengal and Siberian tiger breeds.
LSU's sports teams are called the Fighting Tigers. The university's football team plays its games in Tiger Stadium. LSU got its "Tigers" nickname way back in 1896. This name comes from military groups from Louisiana during the Civil War. These groups were known as the "Tigers."
Contents
Meet the Mikes: A History of LSU's Tigers
Mike I: The First Tiger (1936–1956)
The first Mike was born on October 10, 1935. LSU students helped buy him from the Little Rock Zoo by collecting 25 cents each! He cost $750. Originally, his name was Sheik, but he was renamed Mike to honor Mike Chambers, LSU's athletic trainer. Mike I started his mascot duties on October 21, 1936.
Once, in the 1950s, fans from a rival school, Tulane, actually kidnapped Mike! He was found safely in New Orleans, but his cage had been painted green. Mike I lived for 20 years before he passed away in 1956 from kidney problems. You can still see his remains at LSU's Natural Sciences Museum.
Mike II: The Mysterious Tiger (1956–1958)
Mike II was born on February 28, 1956. He was chosen because his paws were bigger than other tiger cubs. He was introduced to fans on September 29, 1956. There's a bit of a mystery around Mike II. Some stories say he died very young from pneumonia, and another tiger was secretly brought in to replace him. The school denied these rumors at the time. Mike II (or his replacement) died on May 15, 1958, less than two years after he arrived.
Mike III: The Championship Tiger (1958–1976)
Mike III was born on November 26, 1957. He came from the Seattle Zoo just in time for LSU's amazing 1958 National Championship football season! During his 18 years as mascot, LSU won three major football championships and many bowl games. Mike III passed away from old age in 1976. His death made students and staff very sad.
Mike IV: The Roaming Tiger (1976–1990)
Mike IV was born in 1974 and came to LSU in 1976. One time, in 1981, some pranksters opened his cage! Mike IV roamed around for hours, even playing with a small tree, before he was safely returned to his home. He was the oldest of LSU's tiger mascots, living to be 21 years old. He retired in 1990 and lived at the Baton Rouge Zoo until he passed away in 1995.
Mike V: The Friendly Tiger (1990–2007)
Mike V was known for having a great personality. He was born on October 19, 1989. During his 17 years as mascot, LSU's football team won another National Championship in 2003. He also got a new trailer and a big update to his home.
In 2007, Mike V began a retirement plan because of his age and health. He stayed in his habitat on campus until he passed away on May 18, 2007, from kidney problems.
Mike VI: The Brave Tiger (2007–2016)
After Mike V passed away, some groups asked LSU not to get another tiger. However, LSU decided to continue the tradition. They explained that tigers in captivity often live longer than those in the wild, and that raising them at LSU's veterinary school helps with conservation.
LSU found a tiger named Roscoe at a rescue facility in Indiana. He arrived in Baton Rouge on August 25, 2007. After getting used to his new home, he was officially named Mike VI on September 14, 2007.
In Mike VI's first year, the LSU Tigers football team won the BCS National Championship for the 2007 season! Mike VI was a large tiger, weighing over 420 pounds.
In 2016, Mike VI was diagnosed with cancer. Despite treatments, the cancer spread, and he passed away on October 11, 2016.
Mike VII: The Current Tiger (2017–present)
After Mike VI's death, LSU decided to find another tiger to become Mike VII. They wanted a tiger that would be donated, not bought or bred.
On August 1, 2017, LSU announced they had found a 9-month-old tiger named Harvey from a sanctuary in Florida. Harvey arrived on campus on August 15 and officially became Mike VII on August 21, 2017.
Mike VII has seen LSU Football win its first College Football Playoff National Title! In 2021, Mike VII even received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep him healthy.
Mike the Tiger's Amazing Home
In 2005, a brand new, $3 million home was built for Mike. This special habitat is located between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. It has lots of cool features like lush plants, a waterfall, a stream that flows into a pond, and rocky areas.
Mike's new home is one of the best tiger preserves in the country. It made his living space much bigger, from 2,000 to 15,000 square feet! You can even watch Mike in his habitat live on the "Tigercam."
Fun Traditions with Mike
- Before 2016, on home football game days, Mike's cage on wheels would ride through Tiger Stadium with the LSU cheerleaders. It was parked near the opponent's locker room, so the other team had to walk past Mike! However, Mike is never forced into his trailer; if he doesn't want to go, he stays in his habitat. Since 2016, Mike no longer leaves his habitat for games.
- Some people believe that LSU will score a touchdown for every time Mike roars on game day!
- Many students like to take a picture with Mike in their cap and gown on graduation day.
Tiger Retirement Plan
After Mike III passed away while still the active mascot, LSU created a three-step retirement plan for future tigers:
- Step 1: The tiger no longer takes part in pre-game events, like roaring before the game.
- Step 2: The tiger stops attending games completely.
- Step 3: The tiger moves to another location for full retirement.
Mike the Costumed Mascot
Besides the live tiger, LSU also has a person dressed as a mascot, also named Mike! This costumed Mike goes to LSU sporting events and other university functions. He's very active because the live Mike the Tiger doesn't leave his habitat anymore.
A group of students called "Team Mike" helps the costumed Mike get to his events on time and with his costumes. They even take him to Walt Disney World every January for a mascot competition! Mike the Costumed Mascot has also appeared in a "This Is SportsCenter" commercial and a Brad Paisley music video.
See also
Images for kids
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Mike VI
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Mike the Tiger's amazing home
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Mike V in December 2006
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Mike VI enjoying the water
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Mike VI
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Mike the Costumed Mascot in 2018
