He represents every aspect of the University. At sporting events his orange and black stripes decorate the campus with tiger pride.
Mike the Tiger has been a part of the University since 1936, and he is deeply embedded in the school’s traditions.
Mike is a royal bengal tiger who currently resides near Pete Maravich center.
Originally known as “Sheik,” Mike I was purchased for $750 from the Little Rock zoo.
His name was changed to “Mike” in honor of Mike Chambers, who was the athletic trainer at the time.
Mike I served the University for 20 years before he died of pneumonia during a six-game losing streak in 1957. He is on display at the LSU Museum of Natural Science.
For years, Mike I was prodded and poked with a broomstick to provoke a growl from the tiger, according to NickSaban.Net.
Objections to the cruel methods and accusations of animals cruelty led to the use of playing recorded growls throughout the stadium.
The Web site says the University stopped using the recorded growls. Mike V currently uses his own voice to produce his growls.
Four other bengal tigers followed Mike I.
According to the book “Mike the Tiger: The Roar of LSU,” in the 1970s Mike’s cage was covered until he was brought inside Tiger Stadium. This was done to bring suspense to the football games.
Mike V, the current mascot, became a part of the LSU community in 1990, the Web site said.
Blake Tunnard, a student keeper of Mike V, said unlike the former bengal tigers, Mike’s temperament is gentler.
Tunnard has been Mike’s keeper for two years.
He said he does reach through the cage and pet the tiger.
“I feel comfortable with him,” Tunnard said. He does not fear that Mike V will bite him.
Tunnard said the tiger voluntarily prepares for football game days.
He said. “He walks into his own cage.”
Mike’s cage is parked outside of the opposing teams locker room before the start of home games. Opposing players are forced to walk pass the bengal tiger as they walk onto and off the field, according to NickSaban.Net.
Another tradition says that the LSU football team will score a touchdown for every growl Mike produces.
The University tradition dictates that Mike rides through Death Valley in a wheeled cage topped with cheerleaders at the start of every home game.
Tunnard said before games Mike V will follow LSU tradition and growl at the human mascot.
“He doesn’t like the dress-up mascot,” Tunnard said.
Before every game a cheerleader dressed as Mike will hide behind other cheerleaders, he said. The cheerleader will walk up to the cage provoking Mike to growl.
Tunnard said Mike V will growl twice.