Additional reporting by Thill Media
Within Louisiana State University's sprawling campus in Baton Rouge lives a young tiger. Mike VI, a Bengal-Siberian mix, has held the role of the university's mascot since August 2007. This Wednesday, he will celebrate his third birthday.
Mike lives in a $3 million habitat that was completed in 2005. The space measures more than 15,000 square feet, which is considerably larger than the previous 2,000-square-foot facility. The habitat boasts state-of-the-art features, such as an automated watering system, along with lush plants and a waterfall.
Mike is cared for by Dr. David G. Baker, director of laboratory animal medicine at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and by several veterinary students.
Dr. Baker was responsible for choosing Mike to serve as the sixth university mascot. His search began after Mike V died of renal failure in May 2007.
"We were looking for a tiger that was suitable both in appearance and in temperament," Dr. Baker said in a press conference shortly after Mike VI arrived at LSU. "We also wanted one who was confident, inquisitive—not fearful."
Making sure ownership of the animal was transferred legally was also a key aspect of the search.
In the end, Dr. Baker found Mike at the Great Cats of Indiana, a large cat rescue facility in Idaville, Ind. It was obvious from the tiger's appearance and behavior that he was hand-raised by compassionate professionals, he noted.
Live animals have served as mascots at LSU for more than 70 years. The tigers act as representatives for all endangered species, Dr. Baker said, and—even beyond that—greater global conservation issues.
"I don't think there's any question that certainly within the lifetimes of my children that the tiger will become extinct in the wild," Dr. Baker said. "If we are going to have tigers at all, it will be in facilities like this. So, we do need to pay attention to what their environmental needs are and how to care for them properly. I think people see that when they look at this enclosure."
