The Mike the Tiger Habitat is the attraction at LSU whenever you're on campus. Where else are you going to see a live tiger right on a university campus? It's such a unique and memorable experience, and definitely something you can't skip if you're visiting. The habitat itself is really well done - spacious, thoughtfully designed, and clearly maintained with care. It doesn't feel like a typical enclosure; there's a real effort to create an environment that's comfortable for Mike while still allowing visitors to observe. At the same time, it does make you pause and reflect a bit on the idea of having a live animal as a mascot. But from what you can see, there's a strong emphasis on the tiger's well-being, and the setup feels respectful rather than exploitative. Overall, it's an iconic part of LSU's identity and a fascinating stop - both exciting and thought-provoking. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

I popped by here while visiting for a basketball tournament over the weekend. Seeing Mike was awesome, even though he was just sleeping. His habitat was large, earthy, and beautiful. If it weren't due to my ethical quandaries about Mike's captivity, I would give it 5 stars. However, I do feel it necessary to take this into consideration. Tigers are mostly solitary creatures, but Mike is forced into solitude and separated from all possible companions. Even if we disregard possible loneliness, the space of his habitat is still questionable. Male tigers need around 60 sq. km or more to thrive in nature, but Mike'a habitat is only 15,000 sq. ft (0.0139 sq. km). This means that Mike has less than 3% of the space he would in the wild. Even though I'm sure LSU takes splendid care of Mike, given his top notch vet team and $950K habitat, he belongs in the wild. No matter how cool it is was to see a tiger so close or how great the habitat looks, I feel sad for Mike. However, I do think Mike's enclosure is better than that of most zoos, because he is the STAR and center of attention. If you're at LSU, Mike is definitely worth visiting, but reflecting on your feelings about Mike's captivity should go along with it. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

I'm still in shock that LSU has a real life mascot! Upon visiting Mike I was so intrigued to learn about all the history of Mike the Tiger as the mascot. Around Mike's habitat there are a ton of informational facts (like an outdoor museum) where you can learn more about Mike and the other Mikes before him, Tiger facts, and more! The Tiger has his own little oasis with water obstacles and more. It was a really cool experience to see up close! Because the weather in Louisiana is warm/mild all year, Mike does live in the habitat all year. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Mike the Tiger - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This was such a cool thing to be able to drive up and take pictures with Mike the tiger!!! read more

See all

I told my kids I had to see Mike and they thought it was a person. When we go there my kids thought it was better than any tiger exhibit at the zoo. Best part is it's FREE! We learned so much and got to interact with Mike thru the window. He also posed a lot when we took pics which was AMAZING! Anyone in the area and want to spend 5-10 minutes just to stretch your legs or learn something new, come see Mike. read more

"I want to be like Mike" - I know this quote has absolutely nothing to do with LSU's mascot Mike the Tiger but it's not a bad idea, this Bengal mixed tiger has it pretty good. His home covers more than 15,000 square feet of luxurious living so no need to feel bad for this big cat, he appears to be loving life and he is getting the of best care and has plenty of friends who visit him regularly ensuring he never gets lonely. This visit was my first to Mike's Crib, I'm surprised MTV hasn't jumped on this one, his home rivals some of the best cribs to air to date. I've always been an LSU fan so watching Mike the Tiger over the years has always been something I've enjoyed. It was great meeting Mike VII he's a fine replacement and I'm sure his predecessors would be proud. - Mike I (1936-1956) original name Sheik - Mike II (1956-1958) original home Audubon Zoo - Mike III (1958-1976) original home Seattle Zoo - Mike IV (1976-1990) original name Jerry, born at Busch Gardens - Mike V (1990-2007) original name Stevie, born in Moulton, Alabama. - Mike VI (2007-2016) original name Roscoe born in Great Cats of IN - Mike VII (2017-present) original name Harvey born in Okeechobee, FL read more

See all

Most people only expect to see a university's mascot during sporting events, but LSU has one up'd most schools by featuring Mike The Tiger (in the flesh!) in his own backyard. This may feel akin to a zoo, but there are no other animals present and Mike literally gets all 15,000 sq ft of this habitat to himself. Where as other animals suffer from being in captivity, it might seem crazy to suggest Mike lives a pretty decent life. On any good day, Mike is seen galloping across the green parts, playing like any cat would on the log, lounging in the sun, and creeping through mini lake as people snap pics. The best times is when he's obliterating a giant steak, rolling around the grass, or staring directly at would be photographers. Most of the time I've been here, Mike is napping in some shady corner of the habitat but on a good day he's as active as any giant cat. He is a beauty, radiant in his stripes and doesn't look the least bit malnourished. Best of all, this is free and situated right in front of Tiger Stadium on campus. There is also free (but limited) parking during the daytime. On most weekdays and off-season times it's relatively quiet here. Regardless, a visit here is mandatory for first timers in Baton Rouge, even if one knows little about LSU. It is worth a glimpse every time. If a visit to BR is not in the cards, one can always peep the Tiger Cam (http://www.mikethetiger.com/index.php?display=tigercam). read more

7 years ago i visited Mike, and now I'm visiting a new Mike the Tiger. He may be a different beast, but his habitat is still the cat's meow! Mike the Seventh is beautiful & regal. He has a large habitat, but he paces in front of one area. He's worn a groove in the pine needles. It's just not big enough. But it's well maintained, and so is he. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Mike the Seventh - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A wild animal caught and caged as a mascot for a university? Wow! Well, this is Louisiana, and the fans are truly fanatical. Insanely fanatical. So much that shortly after I moved to New Orleans from Portland, OR in August 2011, I was told by a local that I would never make friends here because of the University of Oregon is a rival. Which is hilarious. I am not a fan of the sports of any type. At all. I am not the one to talk balls to. Any way. Back to the task at hand. At least Mike the Tiger looks to be well fed and living the life of luxury here on the campus of LSU. Huge area for him to roam around, lots of water, lots of shade and trees. He has plenty of room to roam. This is above a traveling circus in my mind. But it's still a caged wild animal which may be symbolic as to how we are all caged in this thing called life, all being required to perform circus acts at our daily job. I might be reading too much into it. It is neat to be this close to such majesty and beauty. A bit of history about Mike the Tiger, and the many incarnations is listed his Wikipedia page. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_the_Tiger They are evidently still looking for a new one since the most recent passed away. I do get that people are fanatics about the team and the mascot, and there are worse things to get behind in life. Parking can be difficult as the habitat is on campus, right between the football stadium and the basketball arena. There are no gender neutral restrooms as this is Louisiana. read more

See all

This is a wonderful exhibit that shows the actual tiger in his enclosure. It is near the stadium and on campus to that it is easy to get to. There is plenty of parking nearby and it allows lots people to see Mike. It is one of the best places to see a tiger up close. Both times that I stopped by the enclosure, Mike was outside and sitting on the rock making picture taking easy. I think this is a must see for anyone in the area. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Mike the Tiger on the rocks - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Welcome to MTV Cribs... College Mascot Edition Seriously Roscoe aka Mike The Tiger has it as good as any Tiger in captivity possibly could. His own stream complete with grotto, pool, live oak trees, and a grassy knoll. It's like the Playboy Mansion of Tiger Habitats at 15,000 square feet and even has its own tower and of course butler service courtesy of the LSU Vet School. The habitat is known as one of the largest and finest Tiger habitats in the United States. For the people looking to get a glimpse of the famed Mike, there are several viewing areas along the enclosure. The habitat also features state-of-the-art technologies, research, conservation and husbandry programs. On gamedays it is one of the hottest spots on campus to visit just to see if Mike is feeling a win for LSU. Mike VI has been there since 2007 and as of June 2010 weighed in at a whopping 460 pounds. This tiger is absolutely stunning. I have seen the "Mikes" of the past and I think he is far and above the "prettiest" one we have had yet. He is usually pretty active and likes to come up to the glass by the pool area to meet and greet his visitors. There is a strict no pets around the enclosure policy, and I am certain there is a good reason for that. If you are at LSU this is a must see venue, don't sell yourself short by not swinging by Mike's "crib" and checking it out. read more

See all

An interesting place on the LSU campus across from Tiger Stadium where you can see Mike the Tiger in action. From the Gibbs Construction website, "The tiger habitat is 15,000 square feet of lush planting, including a 20' Live Oak tree, a waterfall, and a stream evolving from a rocky backdrop overflowing with plants and trees. The stream is a swimming pond which allows underwater views of Mike the Tiger swimming.". Geaux Tigers! read more

See all

I'm not into sports, but I can get behind a tiger. I spent two days in Baton Rouge and the town was painted with the mascot, so it only seemed right to stop by and see the source. Mike the Tiger was sleeping like a big lazy cat when we stopped by, but I was still happy to see him. The habitat was huge, and with all the people around it, it took a while to find him taking his cat nap. Near the habitat stood this sign: "ATTENTION, PLEASE! NO PETS ALLOWED IN THE TIGER HABITAT AREA!" Oh, that adorable carnivore. read more

Mike the Tiger's habitat underscores the fact that football money is better than zoo money. This is a fantastic habitat that allows extremely close-up viewing of this beautiful animal. We had a good time on this stop during our brief trip through Baton Rouge. Be wary of misleading and shady parking enforcement adjacent to the enclosure. My car and several others parked next to me were all ticketed in poorly marked spaces. Painted wording on the street indicates these are metered spaces, but there were no meters or signs to be found at the curb. We (and the others) assumed this meant the meters were out. It turns out that this area uses central metering, but the bank of spaces I used had zero signage or indication of central metering (the other spaces did). We had no idea. The ticket was for a modest amount, but this experience cast a shadow over the whole experience. read more

Not every college let's you see it's mascot chilling all day. It's a friendly little attraction on such a large campus. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mike is great! What I don't like is there is no COVID prevention practices and you never know when Mike is going to be out. But his habitat is great, big and beautiful and LSU campus is the same. Definitely a great stop on a tour or just a stroll, if Mike is out you won't be disappointed. read more

You have come a long way baby!! When I was a kid Mike had a cage. Today mike has a mansion on campus -- and he deserves it! We Tiger fans are proud to have a live mascot living right on campus that we can visit. Since October of 1936 LSU has had this honor. While the original enclosure was just 2,000 square feet, Mikes current digs are a whopping 15,000 square feet with his own pool, lush landscaping and even a gorgeous live oak tree. It is truly a sight to see! The enclosure has many "windows" where you can observe Mike. There are also double woven fence areas where you can get so close you feel like you could almost reach out and pet him. (Don't worry it is well made and there is NO danger of that) It is a great way to come and show him some love. Mike IV arrived on campus in August of 2007 as a young 2 year old cat. He was an instant celebrity and I can still remember the huge crowds that came to pay tribute to our new "kitty." Over the years Tiger fans of all ages have enjoyed watching him play. He seems to really love the attention and will come close when fans come to visit. And for those that worry about a Tiger in captivity trust me this dude wants for nothing! he has loving student caretakers that according to his vet on the www.Mikethetiger.com site he has formed bonds with! He is well fed, eating 175 lbs. of food a week! The site also says the following: "Mike VI has exceeded his veterinarian, Dr. David Baker's, expectations in every possible manner. Dr. Baker says "Mike VI has turned out to be perhaps the best in a long line of great LSU tiger mascots. He is a magnificent animal with very striking markings. In addition, he has a tremendous personality. He is extremely confident, interactive, inquisitive, and friendly toward people. He has formed very strong relationships with his student caretakers and reacts very positively toward them." We enjoyed taking my niece to visit him for the first time yesterday and he was right up close and walking along his fence line. He is such a beautiful boy. If you have not met him you should take some time and go say hello! For more info on him you can check out his website that I mentioned above, too! It has great info on it! read more

See all

I love Mike! I like want y'all are doing now, but I do not understand why it took y'all 12 tigers to realize maybe the wild cat doesn't like football crowds. This is a great little stop if you are in town. Well worth the time! read more

Mike probably has the best habitat of any tiger in captivity. Spacious accommodations. Pools of cool water Nice swing set. And adoring fans. Geaux Tigers. read more

My daughters love going by here to see Mike the tiger. They always have before we moved here and now they love being close so they can visit almost anytime they want. read more

I am not a fan of seeing animals in cages but must say that it is very well done. It's better than most habitats that you see at zoos

Mike the Tiger lives in a beautiful habitat! He has plenty of grass, water to swim and cool off in. And he has toys to play with. We went by to see him today, but he was sleeping in the corner, so we couldn't see him that well. read more

Mike VII seems to already enjoying his new habitat! Its not hard to find parking except on game day, plus you can buy some Tiger merch at the shop located next door. Please don't bring pets or toys per Mike The Tiger's Facebook page. read more

I was extremely impressed by this habitat - a true palace for a lovely mascot. Mike has white spots on the backs of his ears, which are just too cute. Mike is playful and interacts with visitors. Try to visit during feeding time if you can, so you can see him chowing down. I loved the experience so much, I came back again the same day. Definitely check this out if you're in the area!! read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Going to the Mike the Tiger Habitat on the campus of LSU is a lot of fun. Parking can be tricky, especially on a school day, but it is worth it. Expect to spend about 20 minutes or so there, as the new tiger, which is really like a giant kitten, is super playful and social. Even though I did not attend LSU, it was fun to see him and enjoyed watching the excitement of young and old fans taking pictures of him and playing with him. I just imagined it was a Siberian tiger instead of a Bengal tiger and told him he could cheer for Auburn when LSU plays them and it would be our secret ;) My wife is a big LSU fan so she absolutely loved it. read more

Let's face it. Mike the Tiger lives better than most students. Maybe lots of adults. How many of us have 15,000 square feet to call our own? I have mixed feelings about keeping him in this huge habitat all by himself. Hopefully they throw live food in there from time to time to keep him on his toes. ;) read more

Mike The Tiger's Habitat - does not get anymore local than this! Yes, you get to see LSU's mascot, live and in the flesh! This is one lucky tiger; his home is way bigger than mine! You will get to experience Mike The Tiger up close and personal. If you're lucky, he may be right in the front chillin' and you will get to see this massive animal in all his glory. Sometimes you'll catch him belly-up with his paws in the air catchin' a snooze or you'll get to see him energetically playing. I don't blame him for wanting to just chill in the corner in the shade because Baton Rouge gets hot! So, if you don't want to trek all the way to the zoo and the kiddos are getting antsy at home, take them to see Mike The Tiger and he may even roar for you! read more

Coming from Seattle. UW (University of Washington) dosent' have this cool guy! All we got is a guy stuffed into a husky dog suit. Come'on lets get a real animal like LSU. There is a bengal tiger on campus! A living mascot who is probably usually bored or laying around from the heat. But still. I'm adopting a little LSU pride now. read more

I want a cat. A tiger, to be precise. One as adorable as Mike the Tiger. There is no need for me to elaborate on the magnificence of tigers, but I would like to say that it is truly worth the stop to visit Mike the Tiger in LSU. You can observe Mike doing his adorable tiger things unhurriedly. Plus, you are in college football country. It is a fun thing to check out one of the team mascots. And it is free to visit. It was a treat for my daughter and me to see Mike in his tiger palace. read more

Mike is magnificent. His home is fantastic. He sleeps aaaaalllllllllll day he's just that comfortable. I truly tried to take my mother to see him while she was here but Mike is gonna get his cat nap in lol. I'm proud too have such a cute carnivorous kitty as my love mascot! Geaux Tigers! read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Geaux Tigers xoxo - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

When we visited Mike the Tiger we didn't know how sick he was at this time. He slept a lot and I really felt bad seeing him sick and also just the generalization of knowing he is a captive tiger. Aside from that the space is well maintained and they have historical information posted about tigers and the history of LSU. It's a nice little learning experience in a nice easily accessible space. The space is now vacant until a new mascot tiger is placed here. read more

See all

Wouldn't call this a business and it's not what I'd expect to see on Yelp, but it is a cool habitat and I've never been dissatisfied with it. Mike is sometimes hard to see in his home, but that happens at any wildlife observation center (I.e. a zoo). read more

The Mike the Tiger habitat is one of the coolest things I've ever seen on a college campus. Located right behind Tiger Stadium, you will see an impressive home for LSU's beloved mascot. Mike has cancer and is undergoing treatment- when I stopped by he was sunbathing outside in plain sight. I have heard there are times he is not visible. read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This is an interesting educational stop if you are in Baton Rouge. It's free and located near the basketball arena. We were lucky enough to see Mike in his full glory. He walked by us several times. He purred and sprayed the wall which was gross and fascinating wrapped into one. The sad part is that he is truly trapped. He paces because he is agitated and doesn't have enough space. Google "why do tigers pace". Some people yell and whistle for him to come to them. That part was a bummer. read more

Mike was very active during our visit. He walked the perimeter of his exhibit and he went for a long swim. He's big & healthy cat. He didn't look sad like most animals in captivity. #GeauxTigers read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Mike - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Took my daughter to see Mike the Tiger for the first time today after a day at the zoo. She loved being able to watch Mike through the glass and fence. I also enjoyed being able to take her picture on the statue that stands in front if his habitat. The parking was easy to find and you had a good selection in front of the habitat or in the surrounding area. Some of it is free and some of it is metered. LSU campus is a very beautiful place to be. Whether you are a student, teacher, or just a Baton Rouge native, there is no place like LSU to find a nice spot to hang out or to walk around in the middle of a clear day. read more

I like Mike. Plenty of places to see him in his exhibit, and just a nice place to sit and relax for a bit on campus. Geaux Tigers read more

Kids and adults love it. Great, free fun in a historic setting. Close to great eating and shopping. Makes for great photo-ops... read more

Mike the Tiger Habitat - Local Flavor Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

What a difference from the habitat I grew up with as a kid (think small train car with bars all around). This is a SPECTACULAR way to view a tiger up close. My kids just love coming to see him. Mike is one pampered kitty! read more

UPDATE: Tragically our beloved Mike has cancer. Luckily he has an entire veterinary school looking after him. If you could find it in your heart to say a prayer for Mike I'm sure it will be appreciated. This is probably the most famous place in Baton Rouge. LSU keeps as their mascot; a live (and enormous) tiger on campus who just happens to live in a tiger habitat (the tiger-tat) that is more beautifully landscaped than many finer homes. It also has a swimming pool that the entire engineering division of LSU has been unable to stop from leaking but nature always sides with the hidden flaw! This tiger has it soft--an entire veterinary college devoted to his care and feeding although I don't understand why there isn't a Mrs. Mike since tigers are so rare these days. There's a life--a huge tiger-tat, a veterinary college for your medical care and all you have to do is eat, sleep and make little tigers! Seems pretty sweet for having to get into a cage and ride around Death Valley 8-10 times a year. I want to put my application in for Mike's job--as soon as I get stripes. Seriously, he's a beautiful tiger and the tiger-tat is gorgeous and well worth the trip. The price of admission is FREE so there's no reason not to drop by and like Mike! read more