LSU football game criticized by Louisiana governor for featuring a live tiger.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry played a role in persuading LSU to introduce a live tiger during its game against Alabama last weekend, and intensified his efforts after the team lost 42-13. The objective was to rekindle the program's tradition of having "Mike the Tiger" make an appearance at games.

During a speech Monday night in Metairie at an event called "Politics with a Punch," Landry disregarded the criticism that arose from the decision to bring a live tiger to the event.

"More people approached me and recalled Mike the Tiger than some iconic plays at Tiger Stadium, according to Landry, who believes this is due to the impact of tradition on our culture. He argues that these woke individuals are attempting to eliminate tradition in the country, which has played a crucial role in shaping it."

Landry stated that the presence of the tiger at the recent games was a way of honoring tradition. The university had a live tiger at games before discontinuing the tradition in 2015 due to controversy over the treatment of the endangered species. The most recent animal to appear at games with the famous mascot name "Mike the Tiger" passed away in 2016. He was the sixth in his line, known as Mike VI.

"I will disclose information pertaining to tradition. The essence of tradition involves honoring those who preceded us."

On campus, the university houses its current live tiger mascot, Mike VII, in a 15,000-square-foot enclosure. Meanwhile, a new tiger named Omar Bradley was brought in from Florida's Worldwide Exotic Animal Talent Agency for Saturday's game.

On Monday, Landry's office stated that no state or LSU funds were utilized "in any aspect of the tiger."

On Monday, the governor criticized the LSU players for their poor performance against Alabama during a speaking event.

Unfortunately, only one tiger appeared on Saturday, and it was our live tiger. I apologize, Landry said.

Earlier this year, Landry expressed his desire to see a live tiger on the sideline in Death Valley. This move could be a result of that wish. The governor emphasized the importance of tradition during a Planet Chronicle interview last Friday.

"This is about tradition," Landry stated. "From Mike I through VI, we have had a live mascot on the field, like many other colleges have done."

Mitchel Kalmanson, the tiger's owner, revealed to WBRZ that they practiced bringing Omar into Tiger Stadium and simulated the lights and loud music last Thursday and Friday night. However, he did not disclose who paid for the event and refused to confirm whether he would bring tigers to future LSU games.

""The animal was not sedated, habituated, or had its ears pinned," he stated."

On Monday, Louisiana's Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary, Madison Sheahanspoke out on the issue, as reported by The Advocate.

"The LDWF regulations prohibit the importation and possession of big exotic cats, including tigers, but provide exemptions for certain entities. These exemptions include universities, such as LSU, that have consistently and historically possessed a big exotic cat as its mascot, and traveling exhibitors incorporated under a valid USDA Class C Exhibitor License who are only in the state temporarily."

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