Mike VI, LSU’s live tiger mascot, dies away after battle with cancer

By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor

Mike VI, LSU’s live tiger mascot, passed away Tuesday after a four-month battle with cancer, the school announced.

The 11-year-old tiger was humanely euthanized in his night house by David Baker, his attending veterinarian. Mike was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma in May 2016 and underwent stereotactic radiotherapy on June 1, 2016, at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center.

LSU announced Mike had entered hospice care in his night house on Oct. 10, 2016, so his caretakers could ensure that he did not suffer. Mike XI was adopted by LSU back in 2007. He was born on July 23, 2005.

There will not be a formal memorial service, according to the release, but LSU is encouraging fans to share memories and photos on social media using #MikeVI.

LSU announced last week that the search had already begun for a young, male tiger to replace Mike VI. LSU will seek to obtain the donated tiger from a rescue facility.

About James Moran 1377 Articles
James Moran was Editor of Tiger Rag from August 2018 to October 2019. He previously served as the associate editor since 2014. He is a graduate of the LSU Manship School of Journalism.

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