As LSU fans eagerly anticipate the revival of the tiger tradition after its discontinuation in 2015, the return of Omar Bradley as mascot brings controversy as PETA digs deep into Mike VII’s death due to cancer.
Louisiana State University (LSU) celebrates its identity with deeply-rooted local cultural connections.
Besides all other traditions, the legacy of LSU’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger, has become the university’s symbol.
The first Mike the Tiger, Mike I, arrived on October 21, 1936, and the tradition remained until 2015.
The LSU mascot tiger tradition stopped after the death of Mike VI in 2016 following the adverse cancer effect.
However, the university committee and the Louisiana Governor are bringing back the tradition by introducing another tiger this Saturday.
Controversial Mitchel Kalmanson’s Omar Bradley Revives The LSU Tiger Tradition After Mike VI 2016 Farewell
LSU football fans are excited that the iconic tradition of the live tiger mascot on the sidelines, which has been ongoing for a decade, is returning.
A different tiger will be on the sidelines during the highly anticipated matchup against Alabama this Saturday.
This event is significant for the LSU community, as it could be the first time the mascot will be present since 2016.
Though Mike VII succeeded Mike VI, he isn’t the one appearing in the match when the Tigers face Alabama.
According to reports, the new tiger has never attended any games due to legal complications and logistical challenges.
Mike VII is the seventh live tiger mascot of Louisiana State University, counting the tradition dating back to the 1930s.
Although the succeeder is already mature, veterinarians believe that he isn’t prepared to withstand the sound of the crowd.
LSU hasn’t brought him out for a game in over 10 years, and the sudden exposure could lead to an accident.
Instead of the traditional Mike the Tiger, a Bengal tiger, Omar Bradley, will make a sideline appearance.
There will be a live tiger at the LSU-Alabama game. It's not Mike VII, but rather a second tiger.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) November 7, 2024
Gov. Jeff Landry pushed to resume the tradition, which the school discontinued in 2015 because of concerns about the tiger's wellbeing.https://t.co/HA8aykkjk7
The Bengal tiger is approximately 1.5 years old, and the university decided to revive the tradition by using his presence.
He belongs to Mitchel Kalmanson, who is personally transporting Omar from Florida to Baton Rogue for the event.
Bradley’s owner has a history of involvement with raising exotic animals and has been a controversial figure among animal advocates.
Though his background raises concerns about animal welfare, the LSU has decided to import the tiger from his office.
Kalmanson’s office confirmed that he was already on his way as of Thursday and could have reached Baton Rogue till now.
Omar Bradley is a young tiger compared to Mike, but the owner still believes he is very calm and mature.
Despite his statements, many organizations have opposed LSU and the owner’s decision to let a young tiger on the sidelines.
Organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have voiced the stress Omar Bradley needs to face during the 102,000-crowd presence.
LSU’s 90-Year-Old Tiger Tradition Ended With Mike VI’s End Due To Inoperable Sarcoma
The live tiger tradition at Louisiana State University football games is a longstanding but equally controversial culture.
Since 1936, the college has been practicing the culture, and people seem to forget the harmful impacts of the crowd in the tiger.
Though veterinarians advised against keeping tigers in such high-stress environments, the tradition continued for decades.
However, it ended after the 2015 season after Mike VI passed away of spindle cell sarcoma, a rare cancer, in 2016.
The cancer is inoperable, and despite radiation therapy, his condition deteriorated, and the cancer gradually spread.
At the end of 2016, veterinarians moved him to hospice care to let him live his final days without pain.
His death was crucial in ending the tradition formally, as it triggered many organizations to speak against it.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-governmental organization, condemned the ideas as irresponsible and illogical.
Despite the heavy criticism, the Governor and LSU have officially decided to revive the controversial tradition in 2024.
The involvement of Mitchel Kalmanson, who has bad ties with PETA, has further fueled the controversy.
In Case You Didn’t Know:
- Louisiana State University was originally founded as a military academy in 1860.
- Tiger Stadium is called the Death Valley due to its large 102,000 capacity.
- LSU hasn’t bred tigers since Mike III, but they have adopted each one since then.
