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Mike the Tiger: The Roar of Lsu
Mike the Tiger has symbolized the spirit and resolve of Louisiana State University for nearly seventy years. Fiercely confident, keenly competitive, and marvelously clever, the only live Bengal tiger to reside on a college campus reigns nobly from his home just outside of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. LSU fans proudly vaunt the superiority of their mascot over the dog, bird, reptile, and pig emblems of other college teams, but few may know the complete history of the "Mikes" who have intimidated opponents and inspired the faithful since 1936. In this delightful volume, David G. Baker and W. Sheldon Bivin, Mike's most recent veterinarians, combine behind-the-scenes anecdotes with vivid period photographs to debunk the myths, confirm the legends, and tell the never-before fully told story of "the roar of LSU."
The authors begin by explaining the Civil War origins of LSU's fighting tiger tradition and describing early representations of the mascot. They then chronicle the reigns of each of the five Mike I (1936-1956), who enjoyed late-night joyrides through Baton Rouge courtesy of his student caretakers; the mysterious Mike II (1956-1958), who legend says was actually two tigers; Mike III (1958-1976), the only tiger to witness a national championship football season; Mike IV (1976-1990), who both escaped his habitat and was held hostage in it; and Mike V (1990-present), reported by his caretakers to have the most amiable personality to date.
Over one hundred photographs bring the animals to life and attest to the university community's enduring devotion to its five-hundred-pound pet. Throughout, Baker and Bivin offer fascinating details about the unique challenges of keeping a school icon that is still very much a wild animal. They also cover many basic facts about tigers and their conservation. Through the efforts of all who have cared for the Bengal mascot, Mike the Tiger's role has expanded beyond rallying school spirit to include educating hundreds of thousands of people about one of the earth's most magnificent creatures.
The authors begin by explaining the Civil War origins of LSU's fighting tiger tradition and describing early representations of the mascot. They then chronicle the reigns of each of the five Mike I (1936-1956), who enjoyed late-night joyrides through Baton Rouge courtesy of his student caretakers; the mysterious Mike II (1956-1958), who legend says was actually two tigers; Mike III (1958-1976), the only tiger to witness a national championship football season; Mike IV (1976-1990), who both escaped his habitat and was held hostage in it; and Mike V (1990-present), reported by his caretakers to have the most amiable personality to date.
Over one hundred photographs bring the animals to life and attest to the university community's enduring devotion to its five-hundred-pound pet. Throughout, Baker and Bivin offer fascinating details about the unique challenges of keeping a school icon that is still very much a wild animal. They also cover many basic facts about tigers and their conservation. Through the efforts of all who have cared for the Bengal mascot, Mike the Tiger's role has expanded beyond rallying school spirit to include educating hundreds of thousands of people about one of the earth's most magnificent creatures.
- GenresNonfiction
121 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 31, 2018
Love Mike the Tiger so I enjoyed reading about him and seeing the pics.
March 4, 2020
Excellent review of LSUs Famous Mike the Tiger.
November 22, 2013
Mike the Tiger is the only live tiger living on a university campus as its mascot. Currently we have Mike VI.
The book covers the history of LSU tigers from the Civil War company known as the Tiger Rifles to LSU football to having a live tiger.
Much of the coverage is the living conditions of the various Mikes and when and how they came to LSU. The tiger enclosures have ranged from the early cage to the modern habitat with pool & grass & trees. Also pictured are many of the student keepers, who are mostly veterinary students.
My 2 favorite pictures are: a picture of Mike (which one is not indicated) yawning widely, and a 2003 painting by George Rodrigue showing Mike the Tiger in a Louisiana swamp setting. This was sold as a fund-raiser for Mike's new housing.
For LSU students, alumni & fans and even fans of tigers in general I recommend this book.
At the end there's a short discussion of the various breeds of tigers and their standing in the wild.
The text is fairly pedestrian. "Just the facts, ma'am."
The book covers the history of LSU tigers from the Civil War company known as the Tiger Rifles to LSU football to having a live tiger.
Much of the coverage is the living conditions of the various Mikes and when and how they came to LSU. The tiger enclosures have ranged from the early cage to the modern habitat with pool & grass & trees. Also pictured are many of the student keepers, who are mostly veterinary students.
My 2 favorite pictures are: a picture of Mike (which one is not indicated) yawning widely, and a 2003 painting by George Rodrigue showing Mike the Tiger in a Louisiana swamp setting. This was sold as a fund-raiser for Mike's new housing.
For LSU students, alumni & fans and even fans of tigers in general I recommend this book.
At the end there's a short discussion of the various breeds of tigers and their standing in the wild.
The text is fairly pedestrian. "Just the facts, ma'am."
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews