The 500 lbs. Bengal-Siberian tiger was first diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, in late May and, after radiation treatments, doctors were optimistic about his chances; however, as cancer does, it came back and spread. Mike was taken to hospice earlier this week, and put to sleep to end his suffering yesterday. Fans have flocked to his habitat on LSU’s campus to pay tribute and the search is already on for his successor.
Mike the Tiger was by far the coolest live mascot in the SEC and visiting him became a ritual for teams visiting Baton Rouge.