Actually Mike VI, he is the offical mascot of LSU. LSU adopted the Tiger nickname in 1896, and it references the state's Confederate heritage as Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia became known as the Tirgers due to the bravery of two New Orleans brigades. Mike I (1936 - 1956) was purchased from the Little Rock Zoo and though originally named Sheik, was renamed in honor of Mike Chamber's, the athletic trainer at the time and instrumental in getting Mike I to LSU.