Louisiana Governor Defends LSU's Return to Live Tiger Tradition Amid Criticism

Governor Jeff Landry criticized opposition to LSU's use of a live tiger at football games, emphasizing tradition despite animal rights concerns.

Governor Jeff Landry facilitated the appearance of a live tiger named Omar Bradley at LSU's game against Alabama, reigniting a tradition halted since 2015.
Animal rights groups, including PETA, criticized the decision, citing past issues with the tiger's handler, Mitchel Kalmanson, who has faced federal scrutiny.
Landry dismissed critics as 'woke' and emphasized the importance of tradition, claiming many remember the live tiger more than the team's on-field achievements.
The live tiger's appearance was brief, lasting only about ten minutes, and it remains unclear who financed the event, though state funds were reportedly not used.
LSU's current official mascot, Mike VII, resides in a campus enclosure and was not present at the game, continuing the policy since Mike VI's death in 2016.