When LSU returns to Death Valley to try and rebound from a season-opening loss against Wisconsin in Green Bay, they will do so without one of their biggest fans rooting them on from the sidelines. Mike VI, the live tiger mascot for LSU, will not be seen on the field as he traditionally has in the past, the . LSU will keep Mike VI in his habitat on game days this season.
Mike VI was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. On June 1, Mike VI went through special radiation treatment in Baton Rouge for spindle cell sarcoma. The treatment reduced the size of a tumor found on the tiger’s face and he continues to appear to be living pain-free. Though the treatment prolonged the tiger’s life expectancy, it was not able to completely remove the tumor, which is expected to resume growing over time.
LSU states the school has never forced Mike VI to step foot in a special trailer that would take him to football games, but he did stop moving into the trailer last season. The school will not even try to open the trailer for Mike VI this season, but they will allow fans a chance to see Mike VI in his special habitat on game days prior to games.
Live mascots are cool, and LSU’s Mike VI is currently the only live tiger mascot in the nation. Here’s to hoping Mike VI steps foot in Tiger Stadium again in the future, when he is ready to step foot back in his trailer.