Harvey, the 11-month-old rescue tiger, officially became Mike VII on Monday when he took his steps in the newly-renovated tiger habitat.
Mike VII arrived on campus during move-in week for a quarantine period, where University veterinarians determined he was healthy and a good fit.
His daily schedule will have him in his yard each morning at 8 a.m. and back in his night house at 8 p.m. The University is planning a welcome event for the new tiger, and details for the event will be released soon, according to a press release.
“It’s been a few months since we’ve had something to come over here and look at,” said computer science junior Nicholas Leonardi.
Harvey was donated to the University by a sanctuary in Okeechobee, Florida, called “Wild at Heart Wildlife Center.” This follows the pattern established with the donation of Mike IV. Mike IV, V and VI were all donated to the University from rescue facilities. The University has not purchased a tiger since Mike III in 1958.
Harvey’s habitat and LSU’s animal care plan are licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The facility, tiger and animal care programs are annually inspected to ensure compliance with the Federal Animal Welfare Act and other USDA policies and guidelines.
“It’s exciting to say that he starts class the same time we do,” said kinesiology freshman Anna Claire Brock. “We can say we started school when he did.”

Gallery • 4 Photos

Isabella Allen

The newly introduced Mike VII enjoys his new tiger habitat on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.