At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, LSU’s tiger will be released into the outside portion of his enclosure.
“He has remained completely healthy during his quarantine period and has adjusted so well to life at LSU that he can be released early,” said Dr. David Baker, LSU’s attending veterinarian.
In a press conference held on Aug. 27, Baker stated that the tiger would need to be quarantined and acclimated for up to two weeks. Because the tiger has adjusted so well, he is now ready to enter the outer portion of his habitat. Beginning Sept. 1, he will be released each morning and brought back into his night house each evening.
After arriving on campus Aug.25, Roscoe began what was to be a two-week quarantine period. During this period, the tiger has been confined to the “night house” section of his habitat, out of public view.
Kristine Calongne, University director of public affairs, said Roscoe is acclimating to his new habitat so well that the quarantine period was cut in half.
The quarantine period is designed to limit stress for the tiger after a drastic change in living environment.
The announcement for the early release follows positive evaluations from David Baker, the University’s attending veterinarian.
“He entered the enclosure like he owned it,” Baker said earlier this week. “He has exceeded my expectations in every possible manner.”
A ceremony to introduce the tiger as Mike VI will take place in the near future.