Just so everyone gets a little clarification. This is the last tiger on the planet that needs to go to a sanctuary.
First, his name is Mike the Tiger and he is LSU's mascot. His habitat is worth millions and he has a crew of top notch vets taking care of him. He does not leave his habitat except to go to his night house. He no longer goes to Tiger Stadium on game days. In fact he never has.
Second, he is a rescue Tiger donated to LSU. LSU did not buy him.
Third, he was born in captivity. Releasing him into the wild is a death sentence. Even PETA agrees with this.
Forth, his habitat is in the process of becoming recognized as a sanctuary. And LSU donates a ton of money to tiger rescue.
Fifth, tigers are solitary animals. They don't need friends.
Sixth, he was playing because he is a freaking cat. His mouth was not open for the kill. He is also VERY social. He loves being around people. But his caregivers are asking everyone not to do this (turning their back to him) because he could injure his teeth. That DID NOT happen in this situation.
Sometimes you guys at the Dodo are just as bad as PETA. I absolutely support humane treatment of animals but when you start doing what animals will never do, which is lie, you lose all credibility. That tiger was not being teased nor did he slam himself into the glass. He was stalking those young men and acted out his animal instincts. Shame on you. If you want the tiger transferred to a sanctuary (which I’m all for) that’s great but don’t make false accusations in an attempt to get him there.
Consider yourself unfollowed, just like PETA.
Claudia Abbes Harvey was donated to LSU from a sanctuary in Okeechobee, Fla., called “Wild at Heart Wildlife Center.” Mikes IV, V and VI were also donated to LSU from rescue facilities. LSU has not purchased a tiger since Mike III in 1958, and LSU does not support the for-profit breeding of tigers.
By providing a home for a tiger that needs one, LSU hopes to raise awareness about the problem of irresponsible breeding and the plight of tigers kept illegally and/or inappropriately in captivity in the U.S