### Live Tiger to Attend LSU-Alabama Game, Courtesy of Florida Owner

A surprising addition will be present for Saturday's football game between LSU and Alabama in Baton Rouge. Omar Bradley, a live Bengal tiger from Florida, is set to attend the game, according to WBRZ-TV. However, this tiger is not LSU's resident mascot, Mike VII, but a 1.5-year-old tiger owned by Mitchel Kalmanson. Kalmanson operates an insurance company specializing in exotic animals.

The decision to bring a live tiger to the game fulfills a wish from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, as confirmed by State Senator Bill Wheat. Landry had formed an unofficial committee comprised of politicians and veterinarians to negotiate with LSU's veterinary school on the matter. Wheat clarified that he was not personally involved in securing Omar Bradley's attendance.

"This isn't Mike," Wheat noted, referencing LSU's mascot who resides in an enclosure opposite the stadium. Bringing Mike VII into the stadium had been previously sidelined by LSU due to humane concerns.

The effort to revive the tradition of having a live tiger mascot during games has been led by Landry and Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, who is also a veterinarian. However, LSU pushed back for the tiger's welfare, prompting Abraham to suggest sourcing an alternate tiger.

Despite multiple requests, spokespeople from both Landry's office and LSU declined to provide details on Omar Bradley's care, his stay's duration, or the responsible parties.

Concerns have been raised by organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). They have cited several federal violations against Kalmanson between 2000 and 2019 for poor conditions in housing and transporting animals. PETA's associate director of captive wildlife research, Klayton Rutherford, criticized LSU and urged the university to abandon the idea of using live tigers for entertainment.

LSU has consistently opposed including Mike VII in game day activities. According to Ginger Guttner, spokeswoman for LSU’s veterinary school, Mike VII has never attended a football game since becoming the official mascot in 2017. Past mascots were brought to the stadium in trailers, but this practice was halted to avoid the negative responses Mike VI experienced from the pre-game environment. Mike VI's last appearance was for the LSU-McNeese game in 2015, which ended up being canceled due to lightning.

By choosing Omar Bradley, LSU reignites a long-standing tradition but also stirs ongoing debates about the ethical treatment of wild animals in entertainment settings.