LSU Brings Back Live Tiger Sideline Presence After Nearly a Decade

On Saturday night, the LSU football team will host No. 11 Alabama in a highly publicized matchup. In an unusual turn of events, reports indicate that a live tiger will be on the sidelines for the game, a first since the death of beloved mascot Mike VI in 2016. The decision to have a live tiger present comes after Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed a desire to reinstate this tradition, having set up an unofficial committee to facilitate discussions with LSU officials. Despite the return of a live tiger, it is important to note that Mike VII, the current mascot residing in an enclosure across from the stadium, will not be making an appearance on the field. Concerns remain about the source of this visiting tiger and the welfare conditions under which it will be kept during the event. Additionally, veterinarian Ralph Abraham played a significant role in ensuring that this arrangement could take place, along with Wheat, who also has a background in veterinary medicine. This decision has sparked conversations about the appropriateness of featuring a live animal at sporting events and the implications for animal welfare. Advocates for both animal rights and tradition will likely weigh in on this development as the event progresses, bringing attention to how rituals associated with college sports evolve over time. Overall, this initiative signifies a merging of sports, tradition, and wildlife, raising questions about the responsibilities of educational institutions in managing living mascots during public events.