Louisiana State University: Mike VII, LSU's Live Tiger Mascot, Received COVID-19 Vaccination

Press release from Louisiana State University:

08/09/2021

Mike VII has not shown any adverse effects from the vaccine. His caretakers will continue
to monitor him closely as always. LSU is dedicated to providing the best care for
Mike VII.

In 2020, lions and tigers at the Bronx Zoo were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 – the virus
that causes COVID-19 in humans. It is believed that the animals contracted the virus
from zookeepers. Because of this, in 2020 LSU put up barricades around the Tiger Habitat
to keep visitors at least 10 feet from Mike VII. Now that Mike has been vaccinated,
the barricades will be removed the week of Aug. 17.

In addition to the barricades around the habitat, the LSU mascot team instituted procedures
to prevent disease transmission. LSU also restricted access to the night house to
only those personnel directly involved in Mike’s care.

Zoetis’ COVID-19 VaccineThe vaccine has been authorized for experimental use by the United States Department
of Agriculture, or USDA, and the state veterinarian. The vaccine deployment to dozens
of zoos follows Zoetis’ response in January to a request from the San Diego Zoo following
confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There
have also been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in captive tigers. More information about
this program by Zoetis can be found online at https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2021/Zoetis-Donates-COVID-19-Vaccines-to-Help-Support-the-Health-of-Zoo-Animals/default.aspx. 

About Mike VIIMike VII was donated to LSU from “Wild at Heart Wildlife Center” in Okeechobee, Fla.
He arrived on campus on Aug. 15, 2017. He is currently four years old and will turn
five on Sept. 13, 2021.

About the LSU Live Mascot ProgramLSU has had a live tiger since Oct. 21, 1936, starting with Mike I, who was purchased
from the Little Rock Zoo. Mike II was purchased from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans,
La., and Mike III was purchased from the Seattle Zoo.

Mikes IV, V and VI were all 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.

The tiger habitat and LSU’s animal care plan are licensed by the USDA. The facility,
tiger and animal care programs are inspected annually to ensure that they comply with
the Federal Animal Welfare Act and other USDA policies and guidelines.

About the LSU SVMThe LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 32 veterinary schools in the
U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. The LSU SVM is dedicated to improving the lives
of people and animals through education, research, and service. We teach. We heal.
We discover. We protect.

Contact: Ginger Guttner, APRLSU School of Veterinary MedicineO: 225-578-9922 C: 225-772-8957ginger@lsu.edu 

or

Ernie BallardLSU Media Relations225-578-5685eballa1@lsu.edu 

This press release was produced by Louisiana State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.