After nine years of frolicking in his enclosure, swimming in his pool and devouring intricate designs made from meat, Mike VI was humanely euthanized in his night house Tuesday.
Although there will be no formal service, LSU Student Government will host a memorial Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. in front of Mike’s habitat. The LSU Tiger Band will play the alma mater at sunset.
Mike’s death came shortly after he was moved into hospice care Monday morning. Last week, LSU Veterinarian David Baker held a press conference after a press release announced Mike’s cancer had spread to his legs and lungs. Baker said Mike might have one to two months to live, though he would be euthanized before he succumbed to the cancer.
Over the summer, Mike was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma and received radiation treatment. A University press release said Mike might live one to two years with the treatment. In the weeks after Mike’s diagnosis and following the recent update on his condition, students and community members adorned Mike’s habitat with notes and words of encouragement.
Sports administration senior Clay Cardenas was at Mike’s enclosure after his passing on Tuesday to remember the tiger and “everything he served.” Cardenas said seeing Mike was a peaceful stop on his way to class.
“He was something more than just a tiger for all of us students,” Cardenas said. “[He was] a symbol for all of us to remember and to see every day — something different most campuses don’t get.”
Sports administration sophomore Marissa Roushar said she was saddened by the loss of Mike and didn’t expect him to pass away during her time at the University. While it’s bittersweet, he’s in a better place now, she said.
Clinical psychology graduate student Paige Ryan said she’ll miss her visits to Mike, where merely the sight of the tiger would improve her mood.
“I always came to visit Mike during study breaks and in between classes, and he always made me smile and lifted up my day,” Ryan said. “I’ll miss him a lot.”
Psychology junior Khristian Guidry and pre-vet junior Kayla Motin were also present at Mike’s former habitat following his passing. Although they knew of Mike’s importance to the Baton Rouge community, the students said they did not expect such a strong reaction from people at the news of his passing. Guidry said it was cool to see how much people care about Mike.
In a statement released Tuesday, PETA said the University should honor Mike by making him the last live tiger mascot.
Motin agreed, saying that after the death of Mike VI, the University should not adopt another tiger.
“I don’t like the fact that we even have a live tiger. I feel like it’s a very small, little box for a really big animal,” Motin said.
Mechanical engineering junior Bradley Champagne said he would like to continue the tradition of the University having a live tiger mascot.
“I would like to think that LSU would keep it going,” Champagne said.
Mike VI made his debut on Oct. 6, 2007, at a home game against the University of Florida, which LSU was slated to play this past weekend. Baker announced last week that the University has begun its search for Mike VII.