Noce looks into getting live tiger for MU
Noce cites the tigers at LSU and Memphis as precedent for one at MU.
Published Jan. 26, 2010
Missouri Students Association President Tim Noce is considering a special guest for future home games: a live tiger.
"We are the Mizzou Tigers, and LSU and Memphis have a live tiger so why can't we?" Noce said.
Noce attributes the idea to people he has talked to around campus and the positive feedback he's received about the prospect of a live tiger on campus.
"The only negative feedback I've gotten is from a monetary standpoint," Noce said. "Everyone I've talked to has thought it would be really cool."
Freshman Kali Parrish said she thought a live tiger would be a nice addition to the MU campus.
"When you think about the popularity of Bevo at the University of Texas at Austin, it really increases the hype at the games," Parrish said.
Noce is in the process of setting up meetings with the athletics department, Division of Animal Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine to consider the options MU has with a live tiger. He is also contacting student leaders at other schools with live mascots on campus to see what kind of problems they have encountered with their animals.
The breeder Noce has contacted sells tigers for approximately $13,000. The price does not include expenses for living and upkeep. A 2007 USA Today article stated the tiger habitat at Louisiana State University costs $3 million and was funded by donations. Noce has also contacted the St. Louis Zoo to explore the option of bringing a tiger in for the six home games of the football season.
"First and foremost, we are going to see what people want," Noce said.
Although some people support the idea of a live mascot, there are also those against it.
The organization Mizzou Tigers for Tigers is run by both faculty and students committed to protecting wild tigers, which have become increasingly rare following the industrialization of their natural habitats.
"The University of Missouri and the Mizzou Tigers for Tigers mascot conservation program do not support captive tiger mascots," Chris Koukola, assistant to the chancellor for university affairs and co-chairman of Mizzou Tigers for Tigers said. "And certainly reputable tiger sanctuaries in our country provide a valuable service when these magnificent animals have been abused in captivity or kept in environments that are not in their best interest."
The organization cites the World Wildlife Fund on its Web site noting three of the eight tiger sub-species have become extinct within the past century.
Ethically, there is further theoretical dissent to keeping a tiger in captivity and as a mascot.
"It's a thoughtless, completely unfeeling idea," animal rights scholar Peter Singer said in an e-mail. "If you wanted to display a dog, that wouldn't be a problem because dogs aren't troubled by people, and they are generally safe around people. But a tiger would have to be caged, and there is no way you can keep a solitary tiger in tolerable conditions. That's definitely animal abuse."
Singer recommends staying with the methodology of having someone dress up as a tiger instead.
Comments (33)
9:43 a.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Terri Halle said:
This man needs to educate himself to better understand how tragic this would be For The Tiger. Animals are not show-pieces, or to be used for side-shows, to entertain people! Leave wildlife alone, because humans cannot reproduce what is their native habitat for their best life. Please don't do it.
10:58 a.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Claire El said:
I think MSA needs to get other funds in order before they can think about, potentially, spending millions of dollars on a gimick for the 6 home games a year.
11:22 a.m., Jan. 26, 2010
james platt said:
Perhaps Noce should look into the reasons why Mike the tiger of LSU has to be doped up on prozac before he is trotted out into the stadium.
12:04 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Kerry Sharp said:
What a horrible idea. Abusing an animal for the sake of entertainment should not be tolerated. This is sending the wrong message to our youth and is especially troubling coming from an educational institution.
12:51 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
michelle said:
Instead of focusing on a live tiger, why not focus on getting students more flexible seating options and improving fan behavior?
2:51 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Jess Camp said:
I visited Mike, LSU's tiger, over Christmas break. He is happy. He's got a wonderful habitat. He runs, swims, plays and has a better life than he would in the wild. A tiger could be good for Mizzou.
5:26 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Amy said:
It's not abusing an animal if you have the right caretakers taking care of it. Think about the tigers that are permanently housed in the MGM Grand's hotel lobby, or any zoo for that matter. You think keeping them locked in one spot is perfectly fine, but to let them come out of their cage every once in a while is "abuse"? I'm all for a live mascot.
5:34 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Paisley said:
How about thinking about the HEALTH, physical and MENTAL of the animal! Tigers are WILD animals that require space and proper care and nutrition. They shouldn't even BE in captivity in the first place, but thanks to people who think it would be "cool" to have a tiger these animals are bought and sold and de-clawed or de-fanged and starved, treated badly etc etc by ignorant fools who think that a pet tiger is a great idea. And Not to mention the safety hazard to handlers, audience members, studenst and whoever that could be potentionally be killed. Do you think a tiger with no teeth and claws can't kill you? Good luck with that. These people need to do a little research on attacks from wild animals, and on Tigers in general whose numbers are dwindling in the wild thanks to their entertainment value to humans.
7:19 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
ThatOneGuy said:
I think it's a cool idea. Maybe it shouldn't be Noce's first order of business in MSA but down the road i think this idea has potential. Pending what he finds out after he does research, I say go for it.
7:37 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Maria said:
Why don't they consider using the money they would spend on a tiger mascot as a donation to programmes that are attempting to preserve the little habitat that is left to tigers in the wild. Then they could show videos of that great work on a large screen at the game instead of abusing a live animal in that way.
10:20 p.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Amanda said:
Wow. I can't believe that Mizzou is considering getting a live tiger. This is horrible and inhumane. Tigers are endangered, wild animals and have no place on the sidelines at a college football game. I realllly hope Mizzou doesn't follow through with this idea or else they will not have my support any longer.
12:24 a.m., Jan. 27, 2010
Tim Noce said:
Hi everyone, I would like to extend an invitation to anyone in support or denial of having a live tiger to compliment Truman as a mascot. Please contact me regarding this. As of right now I have gotten hundreds of emails and facebook messages urging myself and my executive cabinet to follow through with this idea. Out of all the goals I have set thus far this has had the most feedback out of ANY idea for students. I have asked many animal rights groups to talk with me on this issue and only one has responded. Believe me, this is not my first goal in office but it was something I was willing to spend 10 minutes on and research. So with that being said, during the day when I am not in class, I am in my office and would love the chance to talk with each and every person who reads this. Sincerely, Timothy J. Noce MSA President
1:01 a.m., Jan. 27, 2010
Al said:
This is the worst idea I have ever heard of. MSA is misusing student funds on a "pet." What happened to using the student fees appropriately and doing what is right for students on their behalf on an intellectual level?
10:27 a.m., Jan. 27, 2010
Jon Stephens said:
As an alumnus of Mizzou I am opposed to the purchase of a Tiger for this or any other purpose. One solution that perhaps the Vet Med program and athletic program could jointly explore is a partnership with a tiger rescue program. Large cats who are rescued from breeders and others could be treated at Mizzou and perhaps an on campus humane enclosure could be created. I live feed could be shown in game of the tiger and it could be used for education and fundraising for the T4T program and tiger rescue programs. Education and fundraising for very worthwhile purposes is far different that simply exploiting an animal for entertainment. We can have a program that builds school pride AND benefits a worthy cause.
2:03 p.m., Jan. 27, 2010
Steve said:
Tim, I would love to hear what response you received from the animal rights group. Since you didn't mention it, I'm guessing that they didn't think this was in the best interest of the tiger. I have a feeling that the Vet Med College, or any other animal rights group won't support this idea either. So it would appear that you have to choose between satiating the juvenile desire of thousands of ignorant fans, or doing the right thing and dropping this ridiculous idea. By the way, it's obvious that you spent about 10 minutes "researching" this half-baked scheme.
3:37 p.m., Jan. 28, 2010
Stacey Winkeler said:
As the current President of MU's Tigers for Tigers program, I encourage all who are interested in this issue to come to our first meeting Monday, Feb 1 at 7pm in the Vet School Auditorium.
10:20 p.m., Jan. 28, 2010
Dana said:
Even if one ignores the inhumane aspects of this proposal, it's still a dumb proposal. Noce, can you please spend my money (and every other student's money) on something more worthwhile? I'm sure you can find something better than showing off to other universities via torturing an endangered animal.
1:29 a.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Upset Activist said:
I am frustrated that in the face of real issues of discrimination and marginalization of students on campus, our new president is focusing his energy on parading an endangered species around in front of drunk fans who won't know the difference from the mascot anyway. Please, let's use our time and resources wisely.
1:30 a.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Paul said:
Wow. Noce is lucky no one is calling for his resignation....yet.
1:50 a.m., Jan. 29, 2010
TheOtherGuy said:
Just resign now, dude. You will officially known as the George W. Bush of Mizzou and MSA
10:03 a.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Andrew Greaves said:
I think people need to realize that tigers that are already domesticated in a breeding environment aren't being removed from their natural habitat. Their natural habitat consists of cages and walls. Its not like the plan is to go to Asia and capture a tiger. Like Jon said, if you would get your tiger from a rescue program you would actually be helping the species and not hurting it. I think its a great idea, and one that should be further explored.
1:58 p.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Kristin said:
I guess when you have no one running against you, once elected you can make up your agenda as you go along. This is ridiculous. I love MU, but it would be a shameful day for me if we ever treated animals as some specimens to be paraded around for 'school spirit.' It's a live, independent animal. I can't imagine it's misfortune of being treated as some toy for a bunch of idiot spectators.
2:01 p.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Sally Rhodes said:
Tigers should not be displayed for entertainment. They should NOT be treated as pets. Tigers should remain in zoological parks for preservation of their species or in their native habitat in the wild. This is a stupid idea and would not be good for the WELFARE of the prospective tiger.
2:03 p.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Eapen Thampy said:
I will consider supporting this policy after two things happen. 1. Tigers are removed from the endangered species list because their survival has been assured by habitat protection. 2. My tuition becomes more affordable.
2:10 p.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Ian said:
Sure maybe, but then it's not something that MSA should be taking care of, let the Vet school handle it. Student funds should probably be spent on something more conducive to student success. I don't think a Tiger in a cage is going to help anybody with much of anything, aside from separating them from their money. Moral objections aside, we could definitely be spending our money on more productive pursuits, especially in this economy.
9:22 p.m., Jan. 29, 2010
Kayden Prinster said:
I think it would be a much better statement and we'd get more positive press if we went with supporting the preservation of Tigers instead of keeping one on campus, as many suggested. Sure, LSU gets lots of press for their tiger, but I'd rather get positive press from animal rights groups about all the good we're doing for animals and display that video feed of the tigers we're helping, like someone suggested.
4:40 p.m., Feb. 10, 2010
OG said:
I love the idea. They should leave it unchained and unrestrained, and then let it hang out in the Mizzou student section.
4:56 p.m., Feb. 10, 2010
anonymous said:
That would be awesome to have a live mascot, plus animals aren't people so we can use them how ever we feel like.
12:35 p.m., Feb. 14, 2010
Matt Dove said:
As a Mizzou student I think this idea is rediculous!!! For one just because LSU, and Memphis have a Tiger doesn't mean the University of Missouri needs one. Secondly, many schools with live mascots (LSU (tiger), Florida (alligator), Colorado (buffalo), Colorado State (big horn sheep), Texas (longhorn bull) have the ideal climate for those animals, where as our Tiger will have to live in a man made climate/habitat in the Vet School when temps go below zero. I think this is a waste of tax payer and students tution dollars, in addition to the waste of tax dollars used to destroy our campus curently for facilities I will never be able to use seeing that I graduate in May of 2011!!!
8:21 a.m., Jan. 26, 2010
Dee DeSantis said:
A live tiger as a mascot is inhumane and completely ridiculous. Tigers are not attractions are gimmicks. It is so unfortunate that the beauty, charisma and mystique of these magnificent cats is so selfishly and greedily exploited by individuals. Today there are more captive tigers in the United States then there are left in the wild. Many suffer in roadside zoos, in backyards as peoples’ “pets,” are bred for profit, or in the case of Tony, a 9 year old tiger, languish at a truck stop in Louisiana. I strongly hope those making the decision regarding the idea of a live mascot DENY such a cruel display to be permitted.