Mike the Tiger has been an institution at Louisiana State University since 1936. He is more than a symbol — literally. Yes, we have a live tiger living on our campus. I don't know whose idea it was to put a tiger on a college campus, but I will be eternally grateful for whoever's responsible.
There have been many Mikes throughout the years, and the title is currently held by Mike VII, a Bengal-Siberian mix that came to LSU from a sanctuary in Okeechobee, FL, called Wild at Heart Wildlife Center.
I may be a bit biased, but here are 10 reasons why Mike the Tiger is the best mascot EVER!
1. He's cute
Just look at that face!
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
Tigers are technically cats, and what's cuter than a 400 pound cat?!
2. He's funny
Big cheesing!
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
Mike is a young, animated tiger, so it's no wonder he's so goofy!
3. He's relatable
What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze?
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
Much to the envy of every student on campus, Mike spends most of his days sleeping. If only we could all be like Mike...
4. He has his own Twitter
There's nothing better that can pop up on your timeline!
https://twitter.com/mikethetiger?lang=en
Mike has more followers than me, and I'm not even mad about it.
5. He eats his pre-game meal in the shape of the opponent
Taking "let's eat" to a higher, more literal level.
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
Our tiger eats your team for lunch!
6. He's a rescue
Visit your local animal shelter if you're looking for a tiger of your own.
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
Mike comes from a sanctuary in Florida called Wild at Heart. Mike's the kind of mascot that money can't buy!
7. He's Mike VII — lucky number 7
We're lucky to have such a lucky tiger!
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
As the seventh Mike, Mike VII has the honor of bearing lucky number 7! That luck should kick in sooner or later.
8. He's accessible
What a sight to see!
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
Old or young, tall or short, anyone can watch Mike when he's out and about! (Although, be warned — he's usually sleeping!)
9. He's a tiger
If looks could kill...
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
I mean, does it get any cooler? (Spoiler alert: no, it doesn't.)
10. He's ours
The greatest mascot EVER!
https://www.instagram.com/mikethetiger_lsu/
LSU is such an amazing place to get an education, and the fact that we have our very own tiger to represent us is icing on the cake!
We love you, Mike!
