The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers are no strangers to controversy, but the latest debate has nothing to do with their performance on the field. Instead, it revolves around the potential return of a live tiger to football games, a tradition that was discontinued nearly a decade ago. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has publicly expressed his desire to see a live tiger make appearances at LSU home games, a proposal that has sparked intense debate among fans, animal rights activists, and university officials.
The Tradition and Its End
For years, LSU football games were synonymous with the presence of a live Bengal tiger named Mike. The tradition saw the school’s beloved mascot, housed in an on-campus sanctuary, make occasional appearances at Tiger Stadium. However, the practice was halted after Mike VI passed away in 2016. His successor, Mike VII, has remained on campus in a state-of-the-art enclosure but has never been paraded around the stadium.
Animal welfare organizations, including PETA, have long opposed the use of live animals as mascots, arguing that it subjects them to unnecessary stress. LSU eventually phased out the tradition, aligning itself with growing ethical concerns over the treatment of exotic animals in entertainment settings.
Governor Landry’s Proposal
Governor Jeff Landry, a vocal supporter of Louisiana’s cultural traditions, has reignited the debate by advocating for the return of a live tiger to LSU football games. Speaking at a public event, Landry emphasized the significance of the tradition, arguing that it enhances school spirit and honors LSU’s deep-rooted identity.
“We’re the LSU Tigers—what better way to showcase our pride than by bringing back our live mascot to the games?” Landry said. “It’s time to restore this part of our history.”
His remarks have drawn both applause and sharp criticism. Some LSU fans support the idea, seeing it as a way to reignite a unique tradition that set their program apart from others. Others, however, argue that times have changed and that keeping a wild animal in a football stadium setting is outdated and unnecessary.
PETA and Animal Rights Concerns
Predictably, Landry’s comments have been met with swift backlash from animal rights groups. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) immediately issued a statement condemning the proposal, calling it a “step backward” for animal welfare.
“LSU made the ethical choice to stop forcing a tiger into a noisy, chaotic stadium,” the statement read. “Bringing this outdated practice back would be a cruel and unnecessary move.”
Other activists have pointed out that Mike VII currently lives in a well-maintained habitat designed to prioritize his well-being. They argue that transporting him to a stadium filled with tens of thousands of screaming fans would cause undue stress and contradict modern standards of wildlife care.
Where LSU Stands
Despite the controversy, LSU officials have remained relatively quiet on the issue. The university has not released an official statement confirming or denying any plans to reinstate the tradition, leaving fans and critics alike speculating about what will happen next.
The decision ultimately lies with LSU’s leadership, who must weigh the cultural and historical significance of the tradition against evolving ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of wild animals.
The Debate Rages On
The controversy over bringing a live tiger back to LSU football games highlights the ongoing clash between tradition and modern values. While some see it as a harmless and beloved custom, others view it as an outdated practice that has no place in today’s world.
As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: whether or not a live tiger returns to Tiger Stadium, the conversation surrounding the issue isn’t going away anytime soon.
