re: Big Cat Rescue has an anti Mike VII form e-mail on their site

From:

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As a big cat lover, I am sorry that your tiger Mike VI has terminal cancer and not long to live. But this is LSU’s opportunity to honor Mike VI by NOT replacing him with a new tiger cub. Your “tradition” of keeping a live tiger mascot on campus and parading it around the football field and on the sidelines during LSU football games is cruel and outdated and should end with Mike IV. There is nothing educational about keeping a live tiger on your campus. In fact, it sends the very wrong message to your students that LSU believes it’s okay to subject a magnificent tiger to an extremely loud, unnatural environment and exploit him as a marketing gimmick. Please do NOT replace Mike VI. The world is watching and this is LSU’s opportunity to do the right thing.

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To:

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As an LSU alumnus and die hard fan, I was deeply upset when I heard that Mike VI had lost his battle with cancer. LSU now has an opportunity to honor Mike VI by adding a new tiger to our family. Our tradition of keeping a live tiger mascot on campus has brought joy to thousands of fans and a sense of fear into our competitors. I truly feel that LSU should continue its tradition of adopting tigers in need of rescue, and giving these beautiful animals the highest quality of care. LSU would not have been the same without Mike IV and I know that the next animal lucky enough to join us will be equally loved.

Aside from being one of the most iconic live mascots, Mike allows for a unique educational experience for many of our veterinary students. In fact, many young fans that visit Mike while growing up learn about his care staff and choose to follow in their footsteps to be medical professionals themselves. Please so NOT let those who fail to understand your true mission prevent you from continuing your passion. The world is watching and this is LSU’s opportunity to do the right thing. Forever LSU. #TeamMike

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Done.

I definitely do not think any tigers should be forced to go into the trailer. That said, I think any captive Tiger will be winning the jackpot to be chosen for Mike.

I'd love to see pictures of their habitats for rescues. Looks like a bunch of wire cage and dirt on Google Earth.


Leopard habitat



Tiger habitat

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I'd love to see pictures of their habitats for rescues. Looks like a bunch of wire cage and dirt on Google Earth.

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But in the eyes of PETA and other animal rights groups this is better because they aren't being "exploited" by the evils of man. Or some such bullshite. They would rather animals live in chainlink cages and dirt floor and not be used for any purpose (educational, scientific or research), than live in a multimillion dollar state of the are habitat and be utilized for some purpose.

That cat gets cared for better than most people.

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But in the eyes of PETA and other animal rights groups this is better because they aren't being "exploited" by the evils of man. Or some such bullshite. They would rather animals live in chainlink cages and dirt floor and not be used for any purpose (educational, scientific or research), than live in a multimillion dollar state of the are habitat and be utilized for some purpose.

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It's not just that, it's the level of care. There is not a sane person on earth who can argue that Dr. Baker and the vet school do not provide objectively better care than any rescue facility in the world, and better can than tigers receive at most zoos. THAT is the story that needs to be told.

My post

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As a big cat lover, I am sorry that we lost Mike VI to terminal cancer. But this is LSU’s opportunity to honor Mike VI by replacing him with a new tiger cub. Our “tradition” of keeping a live tiger mascot on campus at LSU is a testament to the LSU VET school and their research on large cats. It not just the educational value of keeping a live tiger on our campus but also the veterinary medical knowledge that is gained that can be shared world wide for the care of animals even in the wild. In fact, it sends the very strong message to our students that LSU believes that education goes beyond the classroom and extends to the value of animals throughout our world. The magnificent care the LSU tiger receives makes this cat the best cared for tiger in the world. The tiger is held in the highest esteem and is a reminder to all of the responsibility we have to care for all animals in our world. Please join us in supporting the next Mike the Tiger and the great education and research of LSU and LSU Veterinary School. The world is watching and this is LSU’s opportunity to do the right thing and that we will do!

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Mike only goes to the games if he wants to.

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Lol. Mike only get in the trailer if he wants to. He has no idea where its going.

These people have silly putty for brains. They're fighting shite they can't win and claiming to want to save endangered cats. Then go save them, and while you're at it, Mike the Tiger gets thousands of times more publicity for Tigers and Big Cats on gameday alone than anything you've Done to date to bring attention to big cats, and to the audience you're apparently trying to reach. Use your heads. Mike the Tiger is a vessel to be used to get people on board to save endangered cats In the wild. He is beloved by all and taken very good care of by an army of people who care for his every need. He is but one single cat, yet a cat that brings attention to cats in general.

These people have very limited vision. It's their religious fervor that blinds them to the real possibilities to partner up with people like LSU to save Tigers in the wild by the love and attention that Mike gets.

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nfo@BigCatRescue.org

Just sent an email thanking them for letting me use their site to send a message of encouragement in favor of LSU getting a new Mike.

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I didn't think of that one!!!!!!

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Both of the university’s last two tigers -- Mike VI and Mike V -- were obtained from animal sanctuaries which have since been shut down by the federal government for failing to provide proper care.

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All the more reason that we should attempt to get one from a similar facility. They were clearly much better off at LSU. Not sure why this would upset anyone

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It’s shameful that LSU plans to acquire yet another cub!

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Once again, why is it shameful when we've taken 2 tigers from impoverished conditions and treated them like kings?