Many students are in a frenzy trying to fulfill all of their end of the year responsibilities. But one freshman is getting ready to take it easy.
Mike VI, who replaced the late Mike V in 2007, will enjoy his summer being lazy.
Rob Craig, executive director of Great Cats of Indiana where Mike VI was adopted, said the Siberian-Bengal mix will be able to handle the sweltering temperatures of the Louisiana summer.
"He'll do fine," Craig said. "He'll stay in the shade and be lazy."
Craig said there is no risk of Mike VI overheating since he has water to cool off in inside his habitat. "He will control himself," Craig said. "Their bodies are heavily insulated with a normal body temperature of 102 degrees."
Craig said since tigers' natural habitats are rain forests, they are able to adapt easily to heat.
Ginger Guttner, coordinator of public relations for the School of Veterinary Medicine, said she does not know how many visitors Mike VI has received this year. But Guttner said Mike V received more than 100,000 visitors in a year.
Sean Anderson, general studies junior, visited Mike's habitat Thursday. Anderson said he came to see the tiger because he got out of class early and had some time to kill.
"He's no longer Roscoe," Anderson said. "He's Mike now."
Anderson said he thinks Mike's summer will be low key.
"He'll probably sit under a tree and do nothing," Anderson said. "He's got a pretty good life."
Blake Prince, University alumnus, was also at Mike's habitat Thursday. Prince was showing around his friend from the University of Alabama.
"My kids love coming out here," Prince said.
---- Contact Meredith Harper at mharper@lsureveille.com.
