LSU fans are soon going to be able to get a better look at the school's live tiger mascot. The animal, named Mike VII, has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to an announcement from the school. The four-year old tiger received his first dose on July 16 and the second on Aug. 6 from LSU veterinarian David Baker.
Previously, there were barricades around his cage to keep visitors at least 10 feet away, but those will be removed later this month following his vaccination. Mike VII lives in a habitat near Tiger Stadium, where LSU plays their home games.
LSU's @MikeTheTiger is now vaccinated against COVID-19.
— LSU (@LSU) August 9, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/Vbw6JYZaky pic.twitter.com/h5O9WGPDLx
"Mike VII has not shown any adverse effects from the vaccine," the school said in a press release. "His caretakers will continue to monitor him closely as always."
The school was able to get their hands on a vaccine for the tiger thanks to an animal health company named Zoetis, which donated it to the school. LSU is not the only institution to use Zoetis for help, as several zoos across the United States have also vaccinated animals.
This is all not as crazy as it sounds. In 2020, lions and tigers at the Bronx Zoo were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. As a result, LSU officials decided to vaccinate Mike VII.
