Louisiana Governor Backs Return of Live Tiger at LSU Games

Governor Jeff Landry supports reviving LSU's tradition of featuring a live tiger mascot at football games, despite opposition from animal rights groups.

Governor Jeff Landry expressed his support for bringing back Louisiana State University's live tiger mascot onto the football field before home games.
The tradition has been dormant since the death of the previous tiger mascot, Mike VI, in 2016, and the current tiger, Mike VII, remains in his campus enclosure.
Animal rights organization PETA has strongly opposed the idea, citing concerns over the welfare of the tiger and deeming it inappropriate for a wild animal to be in a loud, crowded stadium.
LSU officials have not yet commented on whether they will consider reviving the tradition, which historically involved the tiger being paraded in a travel trailer through the stadium.
The university maintains that it provides a sanctuary for the tiger and uses the mascot to educate the public about the issues related to captive tigers in the United States.