The live tiger mascot for Louisiana State University has died after suffering from cancer for four months.
Mike VI was 11 years old and was euthanized after veterinarians found his spindle cell sarcoma had spread and he could only live for one or two more months, the school announced Tuesday. The tiger had lived in a 15,000-square-foot enclosure next to the school’s Tiger Stadium since being donated to LSU at age 2 by an Indiana animal sanctuary, ESPN reports.
Mike VI was reportedly one of two live tiger college mascots in the U.S., and the only one living on a campus. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards shared his tribute to the tiger on Twitter, writing, “Thanks for the memories and all the joy you brought to the #LSU family.”
[ESPN]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com