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Rescued tiger begins reign as LSU’s Mike VII

File photo from 2007-- LSU mascot Mike VI, a part Bengal and Siberian tiger, sits in his cage on the field for his first time before an NCAA college football game between LSU and Florida in Baton Rouge, La. Cancer found in the skull of Louisiana State University's live tiger mascot has spread. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Credit: Alex Brandon

Credit: Alex Brandon

File photo from 2007-- LSU mascot Mike VI, a part Bengal and Siberian tiger, sits in his cage on the field for his first time before an NCAA college football game between LSU and Florida in Baton Rouge, La. Cancer found in the skull of Louisiana State University's live tiger mascot has spread. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
By Juliakate E Culpepper
Aug 21, 2017

Mike VII has been crowned.

Louisiana State University announced the reign of live mascot Mike VII officially began on Monday, the first day of LSU’s fall semester.

Coming from a rescue facility in Okeechobee, Fla., the 11-month old tiger arrived in Baton Rouge last week, according to the Associated Press. The University’s live mascot was observed by veterinarians and acquainted in its new home in the newly renovated sanctuary next to Tiger Stadium.

Mike VII replaces Mike VI who reigned from 2007-2016. Mike VI died at 11 years old in October after a battle with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare type of cancer.

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Juliakate E Culpepper
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