LSU mascot Mike the Tiger (Mike VI) has passed away after a battle with cancer, the school announced via social media Tuesday.
Mike had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and had been confined to his habitat near the sports complex following surgeries.
In the past few days it was announced that Mike would no longer make public appearances in his cage.
We are deeply saddened to have lost our beloved live Tiger mascot, @MikeTigerVI, after a 4-month battle with cancer. https://t.co/zSy3T7BCCY pic.twitter.com/RKF9mAdBip
— LSU Tigers (@LSUsports) October 11, 2016
Mike was humanely euthanized in his night house by LSU’s Attending Veterinarian David Baker, DVM, Ph.D., according to the university. He 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. He entered hospice care in his night house on Oct. 10, 2016, so that his caretakers could observe him to ensure that he did not suffer.
There will not be a formal memorial service for Mike VI, but fans are encouraged to share their memories, stories and photos on social media using #MikeVI.
LSU has begun the search for a young, male tiger. As with Mikes IV, V and VI, LSU will seek to obtain a donated tiger from a rescue facility.
