The University continues to search for a new live tiger mascot despite pleas from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Ginger Guttner, coordinator of public relations for the School of Veterinary Medicine, said there is no current deadline to find Mike VI. Chancellor Sean O’Keefe clarified the University’s intentions with acquiring a new tiger mascot in a May 22 letter to PETA. Lisa Wathne, captive exotic animal specialist, had sent O’Keefe a letter on behalf of PETA asking the University not to pursue a replacement mascot after Mike V died of kidney failure May 18 during emergency surgery. “We are writing to express our sympathy over the death of Louisiana State University’s mascot, Mike the Tiger, and to urge the school not to replace him,” Wathne said in the letter. Wathne argued tigers kept in captivity are not living as they should and suffer physically from such captivity. “In October 2003, the journal ‘Nature’ reported Oxford University researchers’ findings that large, roving predators – such as tigers – show stereotypical symptoms of stress when they are kept in captivity because they are unable to satisfy their instinct to roam,” Wathne wrote. “Even LSU’s new enclosure simply cannot fully provide for a tiger’s needs.” Wathne also expressed concern over the risk of separating a tiger cub from their mother and asked the University to switch to a costumed mascot as opposed to a live tiger. “The versatility of human performers allows them to interact directly with fans and entertain them through the game by leading cheers, reacting to the crowd, and pumping up the team,” she wrote. “A frightened animal can’t do any of these things.” In response, Chancellor O’Keefe defended the University’s decision to keep a live tiger mascot on campus. “LSU stands behind its treatment of its tigers,” O’Keefe wrote. “LSU is committed to the safe, responsible, and ethical care and handling of its tigers. Mike is a treasured member of the LSU family. There are 71 years of history behind Mike, and he represents the heart of our University.” O’Keefe noted tigers in captivity have longer average life spans than tigers in the wild. “Their habitat and lifestyle are constantly monitored to ensure their well being, and they receive state-of-the-art veterinary medical care from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, which can improve and extend the life of a big cat,” O’Keefe wrote. “The average lifespan for a tiger in the wild is about eight to 10 years. A tiger in captivity, like Mike V, can live 14-18 years.” Mike V lived to be 17 years old and Mikes I and III lived 19 years. Mike IV lived to be 20 years, 9 months and 18 days old, well beyond the life expectancy of a wild tiger. Wathne countered O’Keefe’s response and told The Daily Reveille on Monday the length of a tiger’s life does not equal quality of life for the captive animal. “Provided [for Mike the Tiger] is less than an acre, for an animal that roams hundreds of miles,” Wathne wrote. “In the wild, tigers also hunt their own food, find a mate and live a lifestyle a tiger in captivity is denied.” O’Keefe wrote other benefits of a tiger living in captivity include safety from poachers, elimination of interspecies competition and protection from disease and infection. “Our mascots live in an excellent tiger habitat, far better than most found in zoos,” O’Keefe wrote. “They are in no way inhumanely or cruelly treated, and their care and comfort are of the utmost importance to all members of the LSU community. LSU has a federal permit to exhibit a tiger and abides by all animal welfare laws, regulations, and policies.” O’Keefe said the University would not take a cub from its mother and would never purchase a cub from a tiger breeder to avoid encouraging irresponsible tiger breeding and the school has been offered numerous cubs already. Wathne said PETA does not dispute the high quality of care provided to Mike.
However, according to Wathne, a tiger in captivity, no matter how well-treated, is at risk. “A tiger in captivity can start stereotypic behaviors, which includes pacing incisively and even self-mutilation,” Wathne said. “LSU can be commended for spending so much money and taking care of their tigers, but the fact of the matter is it still is not a suitable environment for a tiger. That money could be better spent on conservation efforts to further ensure tigers’ longevity.” The search for a new Mike the Tiger and the letters sent between PETA and O’Keefe have caught the eyes of many University students. Benjamin Abbott, history junior, formed a Facebook.com group for University students, “Fuck PETA, we want Mike the Tiger.” “I started the group because I was annoyed, and people jumped on it. I didn’t expect it to get so big,” Abbot said. “After Mike [V] died, I realized how important [to the LSU community] he is, especially when someone else says you shouldn’t get another one.” Abbott said he supports finding a replacement tiger and that O’Keefe’s response “hit the nail on the head.” “If you can’t re-release a cub to the wild, why not take one that is already in captivity and let it live in this beautiful habitat to be cared for by a highly regarded vet school,” Abbott said. “The Chancellor is right if you ask me. And I like that he said he was proud of how LSU cares for our tigers.” Abbott’s Facebook group has nearly 500 pro-Mike students rallying behind O’Keefe and his response. Students siding with PETA can visit its Web site where they may send e-mails to O’Keefe.
Wathne said there are currently no plans for any form of protest but if an event were to be organized locally, PETA would be willing to help. The debate between PETA and the University has also garnered national media attention in recent weeks. ESPN the Magazine included an article in which Wathne spoke out against several other schools with live mascots as well. David Whitley, a sports columnist for The Orlando Sentinel, wrote in favor of the University getting a new tiger. “If I’m a cub and had the choice of life in the wild or a man-made jungle with room service and free medial care, I know which one I’d take,” Whitley wrote.
—Contact Nicholas Persac at [email protected]