LSU says Mike VII, the live Bengal tiger mascot of the university, has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Mike got his first shot on July 16, and received his follow-up dose August 6, the school announced today.
"The vaccine was donated by Zoetis, which is donating more than 11,000 of its COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health and well-being of more than 100 mammalian species living in zoos, conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions, and government organizations located in 27 states," LSU said in a statement.
According to the university, Mike has not shown any adverse effects from the vaccine.
Last year, lions and tigers at the Bronx Zoo were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, likely from zookeepers. This prompted LSU to place barricades around Mike's enclosure to keep visitors more than 10 feet away.
The school says with Mike vaccinated, those barricades will be removed the week of August 17.