Just a week ago, LSU announced that Mike VI, its live tiger mascot, would be euthanized before he succumbs to cancer. Sadly, that day has come.
The university announced Tuesday afternoon that Mike passed away at the age of 11 after a nearly five-month battle with a rare form of cancer. The animal was diagnosed in May with spindle cell sarcoma, and while the tumor had initially shrunk thanks to a new and sophisticated form of radiation therapy, a recent CT scan revealed that the disease had spread to his legs, lungs and elsewhere.
Monday, the school announced that Mike, a Bengal-Siberian mix,was being moved from his on-campus habitat to hospice care.We are deeply saddened to have lost our beloved live Tiger mascot, @MikeTigerVI, after a 4-month battle with cancer. https://t.co/zSy3T7BCCY pic.twitter.com/RKF9mAdBip
— LSU Tigers (@LSUsports) October 11, 2016
Rest in peace, #MikeVIhttps://t.co/JL9stSeHiQ pic.twitter.com/ddPSXZAwea
— LSU (@lsu) October 11, 2016
The university is currently searching for its next live tiger mascot.