Some of us are outraged over a stay tiger’s presence at LSU’s recreation towards Alabama … and that features Massive Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin — who tells TMZ Sports activities the stunt was “blatant disregard for the tiger’s well-being.”
Saturday marked the primary time since 2015 a Panthera Tigris was on the sphere for an LSU soccer recreation … at state governor Jeff Landry‘s request. He initially wished the host faculty to roll out its present tiger mascot, Mike, to the sphere for pregame festivities … however the college declined.
Landry then resorted to bringing a tiger from Florida … which irked Baskin for a number of causes.
“Bringing a live tiger to a football game is quite possibly a violation of the federal Lacey Act and Louisiana’s own dangerous animal laws, and it also sends the wrong message to students about respect for wildlife,” the “Tiger King” star stated. “Trucking a wild animal all the way from central Florida for a spectacle is a blatant disregard for the tiger’s well-being and reinforces the dangerous idea that nature exists solely for our entertainment.”
What are your ideas on LSU bringing a stay tiger again into the stadium? pic.twitter.com/rPc8sUH6vI
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) November 10, 2024
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“The questions that you and the public should be asking are if the office of Governor Jeff Landry, the Tiger Athletic Fund, or the LSU Police Department spent taxpayer money or failed in acquiring the necessary permits just to satisfy the governor’s desire to see a tiger in the stadium, since Mike the Tiger (their campus mascot) hates going to the games,” Baskin added.
The Republican governor informed a native outlet the complete second was meant to honor the varsity’s historical past of stay mascots … however regardless, the transfer was met with backlash.
“This is about tradition,” Landry stated. “This is about from Mike I through VI, we have had a live mascot on the field, like many other colleges have before. Of course, we’re honoring those Mikes. And no one will take away the honor, respect and love that we have for Mike VII.”
A number of petitions have been created in opposition of the debacle … with one racking up 14,837 signatures voicing displeasure over the plans.
There isn’t a phrase on whether or not the tiger will make an look once more … however it did not give LSU any good luck — the Tigers fell to the Crimson Tide, 42-13.
