LSU has been keeping a live tiger named Mike on their campus for over 80 years. While the university claims that they are providing a safe and comfortable environment for him, it is not natural or ethical to keep such a majestic animal in captivity.

Tigers are apex predators and require vast territories to roam and hunt. In the wild, they can travel up to 20 miles per day. However, Mike is confined to an enclosure that is only 15,000 square feet - less than half of one square mile. This lack of space can lead to physical and psychological problems for him.

Furthermore, tigers in captivity have a much shorter lifespan than those in the wild. According to Big Cat Rescue, captive tigers live an average of only 10-12 years while their wild counterparts can live up to 25 years.

It's time for LSU to release Mike into the wild where he belongs. There are many reputable wildlife sanctuaries that could provide him with a suitable habitat and proper care if he cannot be released into his natural habitat.

Keeping animals like Mike in captivity sends the wrong message about our relationship with nature. We should be working towards preserving wildlife habitats instead of exploiting them for entertainment purposes.

It's time for LSU to do what's right by releasing Mike into the wild or transferring him to a reputable sanctuary where he can live out his days with dignity and respect as all animals deserve.