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BATON ROUGE — Today marks the first day of classes at LSU — and the first day of Mike VII’s reign as official mascot of LSU.

This morning, Dr. David Baker, LSU’s attending veterinarian, along with student caretakers, opened the door of the tiger habitat and officially welcomed Mike VII to campus.

LSU had previously announced that the rescue tiger, “Harvey,” arrived on campus on Aug. 15 and was being housed in the night house of the tiger habitat. The 11-month-old male tiger was being quarantined in the night house so that he could be observed by LSU veterinarians to ensure that he is healthy and a good fit for LSU.

The tiger acclimated well to his new surroundings and was deemed ready to become Mike VII. As Mike VII, his daily schedule is that he will be let out into his yard by 8 a.m. each day and brought back in his night house by 8 p.m. each day.

LSU plans to hold a welcome event for Mike VII soon.

Mike VII, who has both Siberian and Bengal characteristics, 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.