Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry Advocates for Tradition as LSU Reintroduces Live Tiger at Game
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry played a pivotal role in persuading Louisiana State University (LSU) to showcase a live tiger during their recent game against Alabama, despite the team’s disappointing 42-13 loss. The event sought to revive the tradition of having a live mascot, Mike the Tiger, at games, a practice that was discontinued in 2015 due to controversy surrounding the treatment of the endangered species.
During a Monday night speech at "Politics with a Punch" in Metairie, Landry defended the decision amidst criticism, stating that many fans remembered the original Mike the Tiger fondly. "It’s about tradition. At the end of the day, these woke people have tried to take tradition out of this country," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of honoring the legacy of previous mascots.
The university currently houses a live tiger, Mike VII, in a 15,000-square-foot enclosure on campus. For the game, a tiger named Omar Bradley was brought in from Florida’s Worldwide Exotic Animal Talent Agency, adhering to Louisiana wildlife regulations that permit universities with a historical connection to big cats to maintain them.
Landry’s remarks also extended to the LSU team’s performance, suggesting that the live tiger was more spirited than the players. He previously expressed hope to see a live tiger back on the sidelines, citing the importance of tradition in college athletics.
Ownership of the tiger ensured that no state or LSU funds were utilized for the event, and Omar’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson, stated that the animal was not sedated and successfully adapted to the game environment. As LSU continues its football tradition, Landry’s push for the reintroduction of the live mascot reignites conversations about the balance between sports culture and animal welfare.
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