The University is asking visitors to keep dogs away from Mike VI’s habitat.
The Athletic Department posted several signs reading “Please Restrain All Dogs: Barking Can Lead To An Injury For Mike.”
University spokeswoman Kristine Calongne said the School of Veterinary Medicene requested the signs because of concern for the Bengal-Siberian tiger’s safety.
“Some people have been bringing their dogs right up to the glass [of the habitat],” she said. “It gets the tiger excited, and in a couple of cases, he’s pushed his face up against the glass.”
Calongne said there has been no specific injury to Mike VI that prompted the signs. Calongne said officials within the Vet School said the interaction may be stressful for small dogs as well.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” she said. “It’s more of a proactive measure. We want to catch it now.”
Calongne said a similar sign was never posted for Mike V because of his sedentary state.
“This Mike is so young. He’s so playful, and everything gets him excited,” she said. “By the time Mike V got put into the new habitat, he was very old and past all of that [playfulness].”
Mike VI was peacefully sleeping under a tree in his habitat Tuesday afternoon.
Charles Craig, a 1972 University graduate, was eager for the tiger to awake.
“I just flew in from Denver and wanted to come straight here to see him,” Craig said. “It seems like the thing to do since our [No. 1-ranked football] team is hotter than a pistol.”
Craig said he supports the decision to keep dogs away from Mike VI.
“This is Mike’s place,” he said. “We don’t want to do anything to upset him or injure him.”
—Contact Amy Brittain at [email protected]