Louisiana governor slams ‘woke people’ against LSU having live tiger at football game
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry made headlines recently for his involvement in bringing back a live tiger, named “Mike the Tiger,” to LSU football games. Despite the controversial decision, Landry doubled down on his initiative after LSU’s loss to Alabama this past weekend.
During a speech at “Politics with a Punch” in Metairie, Landry addressed the criticism surrounding the live tiger appearance, stating that tradition is an integral part of building a country. He emphasized the importance of respecting tradition and honoring those who came before us.
The tradition of having a live tiger at LSU games was discontinued in 2015 due to controversy over the treatment of the endangered species. However, Landry’s efforts aimed to revive this tradition and bring back the beloved mascot.
The most recent live tiger mascot, Mike VI, passed away in 2016, and LSU currently houses its mascot, Mike VII, in a 15,000-square-foot enclosure on campus. For the recent game against Alabama, a tiger named Omar Bradley was brought in from Florida’s Worldwide Exotic Animal Talent Agency.
Landry clarified that no state or LSU funds were used for the presence of the live tiger at the game. He reiterated that bringing back the live tiger was about honoring tradition and paying respect to the university’s history.
Despite the controversy, Landry expressed disappointment in LSU’s performance against Alabama and criticized the team for their lackluster showing. He compared the players’ performance unfavorably to the live tiger, who he said was the only tiger that showed up that day.
The governor’s push to bring back the live tiger mascot may have stemmed from his belief in the importance of tradition. He previously stated in an interview that having a live mascot on the field was a tradition that dated back to previous iterations of “Mike the Tiger.”
The tiger’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson, confirmed that the animal was not sedated and was properly prepared for the game day environment. Louisiana’s Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary, Madison Sheahan, also addressed the issue, stating that LSU’s exemption as a university allowed them to have a live tiger mascot.
In conclusion, Governor Jeff Landry’s efforts to bring back a live tiger to LSU games sparked controversy but also highlighted the importance of tradition and honoring the university’s history. Despite the criticism, Landry remains committed to preserving this cherished tradition for generations to come.
