LSU announced that its sports tiger mascot, Mike VI, died after a four-month fight with cancer despite the best medical care. He expired in hospice. There were no services.
“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 Center,” the university website said. “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.”
The university added, “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.”
Mike VI came to LSU in 2007 as a rescue. Despite the stereotactic radiotherapy that initially shrunk the tumor near the tiger’s snout back in June, new tests last week revealed it had started growing again, Fox News noted.
LSU fans were seen leaving messages of love and support to the tiger on Tuesday following the announcement, and he even received support from a fellow mascot.
“Rest in peace, @MikeTigerVI,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a tweet. “Thanks for the memories and all the joy you brought to the #LSU family.”
The beloved tiger didn’t make any appearances on the football field this season due to his illness.
Dr. David Baker of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine said LSU has asked him to begin searching animal rescue facilities for a Mike VII, Fox News noted.
“We intend to obtain a young male tiger in need of a good home,” he said. “So many of these facilities take on perhaps more animals really than they can manage.”
Mike VI was 11 years old.
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