Mike the Tiger, Bengal tiger mascot at Louisiana State University, United States
Mike the Tiger is the live mascot of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, living in a spacious habitat designed specifically for him. The Bengal tiger moves through an area with water features, trees and elevated platforms, where visitors watch him through transparent panels.
The tradition began in 1936 when students collected funds to bring the first tiger from Little Rock. Since then, an unbroken succession of animals followed, all carrying the same name and fulfilling the same role.
The university named every tiger after Mike Chambers, the athletic trainer who brought this tradition to life. On campus, students and staff speak of him as if he were a single living legend continuing through different animals, connecting each generation with the next.
The habitat sits directly on campus and can be viewed freely from outside without admission fees. Visitors planning to see the tiger should come during daylight hours when the animal is most active and moves through the outdoor area.
Seven different tigers have carried the name Mike since the tradition began, each one recognized by its own temperament and behavior. The current tiger arrived in 2017 from a sanctuary in Florida and is known for being particularly relaxed around visitor groups.
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