This is upsetting. I know Mike V is old, but I still think of that baby I saw years back. I spent alot of time around his cage when I was at LSU. I hope he enjoys his retirement.
I hope they don't just banish him to the BR Zoo like they did to Mike IV. He has this nice new habitat now and it just doesn't seem right to move him into a cage to die.
Unfortunately, though, the alternative is having Mike unexpectedly die on campus. Today's paper mentioned a quote by those concerned with his welfare that this situation will not be allowed to happen again as it did for Mike III. However, death is a reality we can't pretend our animal mascot will elude. National Geographic recently showed some pics of what they do in China when a Panda dies. Staff and visitors are allowed to approach the animal and place a flower or simply say goodbye. Given how much Mike means to the university, and the service he provides to us with his presence on campus, I believe a similar tribute would certainly be appropriate and deserved.
The Baton Rouge Zoo doesn't have nice Tiger habitats??? Move him to New Orleans then. A sad day indeed.
That doesn't bother me and I don't think it bothers most people. It's Mike's habitat and he should be allowed to live the rest of his life there. Frankly, I think the story about the anguish of Mike III's death is nonsense. I was around at that time and I remember no special anguish because he died on campus. Just sadness that his time finally came. Where it came had no bearing. I think this is about getting Mike out of his expensive and highly visible new habitat because he is getting thin and gray and is understandably not very active any more. They are eager to get the new, young Mike in there. I think it would be shameful to move him out at this point in his life. The Vet school people who care for him are here on campus, the best Tiger habitat in the nation is here on campus. Don't stress him with a move to a cage at this point in his life, just to improve LSU's image. I saw the "retired" Mike IV laying on a concrete floor in that cage at the BR Zoo and it was not pretty. LSU should get a new cub and bring him to games this season instead of old Mike. Let the new Mike live in the zoo cage until old Mike passes.
sad, but needed. mike is reaching the end of his life span and some day soon there will be a mike VI. but mike V will always be special among the tiger mascots.
Everyday I stop by to see how ole' Mike is doing, and he really does nothing other than sleep. When he was younger, he was curious as to what was going on in the stadium, etc... like a cat naturally would be. this last year, he just seemed to hate being there...
i thought he was already living in the finest retirement home so i am confused. martin please for the love of dog respond to this thread.
