Letter to the Editor: Questionable methods of Mike the Tiger's vet
Published Feb. 23, 2010
Dear David G. Baker, Mike the Tiger veterinarian,
Well of course you would not admit to giving drugs to the tiger. Who would? It makes LSU look like a fool. I was told by a veterinary student that the tiger was given drugs each time that he was forced to be dragged around the stadium for human entertainment. The drug of choice from what I understand was Prozac! Anybody that would give any animal a drug like this just so that he can be caged and dragged around the stadium has no morals or values and that is why you choose to deny this.
As for you bragging about the 4 million dollars that was spent on his "habitat," I wonder how stupid you think humans are. For 4 million dollars you could have made Mike a habitat that resembled his natural habitat but instead you spent millions on making it "look" pretty instead of giving the tiger a more natural setting. Let's not forget though that you said and I quote, "Mike's health and happiness is our utmost concern at LSU."
You also say that "his quality of life is excellent." Do you really believe that? If so you may want to take a little time to better educate yourself on how to make a tiger's quality of life excellent. I know that being in the wild would be best for him he is a tiger after all but I also know that is not possible for a captive tiger. So where do we go from here? YOU choose to have a captive tiger than you choose to give him or her the best quality of life possible. This goes much further than a 4 million dollars enclosure that looks pretty.
LSU has a reputation to uphold and you know that is why you would never admit to giving this tiger drugs. Maybe now that it has been brought to the public's attention it will stop but then again maybe not this has been going on for many years!
Since you are the vet for Mike the Tiger at LSU and from what I understand you are also the vet for Michael Sandlin's tiger at Tiger Truck Stop. If you feel so strongly that Mike the tiger's situation is so perfect then can you please comment and tell us how you feel about Tony the tiger's situation at Tiger Truck Stop? I would have to assume since you are the vet for Tony that you condone him living in a small enclosure in the parking lot of the truck stop with no quality of life at all?
I guess like with everything else it's not about heart and soul it's about money!
Comments (32)
10:30 a.m., Feb. 23, 2010
I.P. Freely said:
Of course a dirty hippie like yourself would have a name like Sky.
10:51 a.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Andrew said:
Maybe you should look up how Tigers are treated in the wild where this Mike comes from. His bones would be soaking in a freaking barrel by now. Instead, he'll be legendary. Maybe you should spend more time shaving things and less time worrying about LSU's pampered Tiger.
11:05 a.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
Come on James and IP Freely~ you can't do better than that? I guess the subject of the matter has no importance to you?
11:30 a.m., Feb. 23, 2010
LSU_Lou said:
Prozac would do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING if it was given to Mike before a game. It's an SSRI (antidepressant) that takes weeks to months of use to have a therapeutic effect. You need to research your facts before making an arse of yourself.
12:47 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Stop Liberalism said:
Mike the Tiger lives in EXCELLENT conditions. Quit projecting human desires and needs onto animals. They are not our equals.
1:08 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
GMan said:
I think you should be allowed into Mike's habitat while he's in there so you can observe conditions first-hand. Of course, we'll have to lock you in so the tiger doesn't get out.
1:13 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
TIGERFANZZ said:
Exhibit A, a multi-million dollar facility overseen by one of the nation's top vet schools, prime food placed in front of him, fresh water, a/c & heated sleeping area, life expectancy of 16-22 years. Exhibit B, grasslands, shrinking water holes, disease, shortage of food, hunters & natives tracking you down to kill you for food/sport, life expectancy of about 8-10 years. Yeah, I bet ol' Mike the Tiger is BEGGING to be released into a natural habitat. You are against animals being kept in cages. I am against animal cruelty. I would move into Mike's enclosure if they let me, have you seen that thing? Having an animal in a cage does NOT mean it is being treated cruel. GEAUX TIGERS!!!
1:18 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
mike said:
Hey Sky, Go F%*k yourself. U make it sound like Mike is drugged, Knocked in the head, and drug by his neck infront of "Humans". Prople like you are so out of touch with reality its pathetic. Look at what they are doing to tigers in China. You want to write a letter, write one to them you liberal douche Bag
2:14 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
dumb@ss said:
I really think you should address David G. Baker as Dr. Baker out of respect. James, judging by her grammar, she is obviously in jr high or elementary school. If not, she does need to take a couple English courses.
2:51 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
I discussed the ways our society exploits animals, and how drastically this abuse affects human interests concerning health, the environment, and our level of connectedness to life. I offer new visions for how to heal the breaches in our social world and in our relation to the natural world. I believe that animal liberation is the next great liberation movement on this planet, and that by promoting respect for nonhuman animals, we are advancing human moral evolution. Everyone loves animals, and yet animals are the most helpless and victimized members of the living community. I believe with Gandhi that "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." There will always be critics in this world but that does not take away from the facts of this issue. Believe and say what you will. Some people choose to walk through life with their eyes open and others choose to walk through life with their eyes closed.
4:32 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Sky is a loon said:
I'm no animal rights activist, but I'm pretty sure that there are alot more pressing issues then LSU giving Mike prozac to calm him down for 15 minutes. You are obviously very concerned in the well being of animals seeing as how you waste your time with this.
4:40 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Really? said:
But really, if you knew anything about veterinary medicine you would be kicking yourself in the ass right now for how much of a fool you just acted by publishing this online. Not only are you grammatically challenged, but you obviously don't know the first thing about what treatment Mike the Tiger receives. I just attended a seminar about Mike's treatment and you are 100% wrong about pretty much everything you've written. Go read a book, fool.
4:42 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Gordon K. Scott said:
Seriously? More of this crap from PETA? You need to get away from the computer and go back to giving blowjobs to a seal. There are FAR worse conditions a live mascot could be living in. Don't attack the school who forked out $4 million to build a place for it to live in. If you actually looked at Mike at the habitat, you'd notice that he's pretty happy. He gets fed regularly, he gets plenty of excercise, he's loved by hundreds of thousands of people, and he gets better health coverage than most Americans. STFU and GTFO.
5:28 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Vet student said:
I'm sure Dr. Baker would promptly rip off your balls and feed them to Mike just for the sheer laughter of it. I personally think Dr. Baker is the shiz so I am more than biased, but I'm pretty sure the man who has shitloads of letters behind his name knows a few more things about proper enclosures than you. We deal with people who will let their dog have diarrhea for 3 weeks, then drive in at 3 am for an emergency appointment, so excuse us if we fail to explain every one of our reasonings to the generally animal husbandry retarded populace. Thanks and have a nice day, cuz i'm sure Mike is.
8:58 p.m., Feb. 23, 2010
Wow said:
Maybe you should talk to Great Cats of Indiana. http://www.greatcatsofindiana.org/ They are a rescue facility for big cats. They seemed to think LSU was a great place for Mike! Before LSU took Mike, his feet never touched grass. After they donated Mike the Tiger... that facility received a LOT of money in donations from LSU fans who were very grateful to them for providing us with a wonderful tiger. You, Ms. Williamson, should find a way to spend your time "helping animals" in a more productive way.
3:12 a.m., Feb. 24, 2010
tygerlily said:
Sky, Can't believe you are from LC--my home town. Although I've been gone for 40+ years, I thought there were still intelligent people living there. What is your beef with Mike? I notice that you do not offer alternatives for his care. If he were not at LSU where would you want him to live? If Mike were being abused, there are a few million LSU alumi and fans, who would not only take exception to this treatment, but would also take action. If Mike were being drugged, he would make it into the stadium for every game, not just the ones he chooses to attend by "walking" into his cage. I know nothing about Tony, but believe that Dr. Baker addressed this problem in his letter last month. Do you watch Animal Planet? If you are concerned about animal abuse, perhaps you should participate in the search for solutions for some of the problems faced by the animals shown on their programs. Or, how about joining one of the international organizations that raise funds to protect tigers in the wild and to create better habitats (in their natural environment). Recently read online that several tigers had been released into a newly created and protected habitat and that the governments in the area of the tiger's jungle habitats, were working closely with these organizations to stop the illegal hunting of these regal animals. Pack a lunch, drive to BR and sit with Mike for a day and learn to love him as much as the rest of Tiger Nation does--or perhaps, move somewhere else and just get a life.
7:36 a.m., Feb. 24, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
http://bigcatnews.blogspot.com/2008/12/great-cats-of-indiana.html Great Cats of Indiana is not a reputable sanctuary. Not only are they hiding their horrid roadside zoo under that guise, they are also breeding and selling these exotic cats ... they have been a problem for a very long time and was glad someone was going to take the reins on shutting them down. USDA complaint and response The major points of the complaint filed by the USDA include: • an allegation of continuing to operate under other corporate names • using a defunct corporation's license as an individual • failure to retain a full-time veterinarian and maintain a program of veterinary care • failure to follow medical instructions of the attending veterinarian regarding specific instances • insufficient barriers between cages and visitors; failure to remove food and animal waste • absence of a perimeter fence • inadequate trained staff • inadequate shelter from the elements • assorted sanitation and pest control allegations
4:48 p.m., Feb. 24, 2010
Chris said:
In your article you state: "I know that being in the wild would be best for him" How do you know this? Can you talk to animals? Did Mike tell you that he hates being treated like a king? Heck, do you realize that Mike lives better then almost every student on campus. What makes you so qualified to know for a fact that Mike is better off in the wild?
4:11 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
The Bengal can live as long as 15 years in the wild, but within captivity they usually live slightly longer, reaching 16-18 years of age. http://www.lairweb.org.nz/tiger/bengal4.html Big Cat Attacks http://www.bigcatrescue.org/big_cat_news.htm Chris said: What makes you so qualified to know for a fact that Mike is better off in the wild? COMMON SENSE!!! In the wild. Where they are from. It's incredibly unhealthy to be locked up in a cage, some animals in captivity live shorter periods of time then animals that are in their natural habitat. The wild. I have seen too many sad animals in captivity, and it seems they are too sad to even proceed in acting as their species does in the wild. They must remain wild, for I have also seen by my own eyes they die lonely and scared, unless sadly bred in captivity. Let these animals be wild, for they are much, much happier. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_animals_better_off_at_the_zoo_or_the_wild
4:13 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
tygerlily said: I thought there were still intelligent people living there. Thank you tygerlily, since you are not there LC is a much better place! If Mike were being abused, there are a few million LSU alumi and fans, who would not only take exception to this treatment, but would also take action. *That is a lie and the reason I know that is because there is a abused tiger named TONY twenty minutes from where Mike the tiger is located and I have yet to see a few million die hard LSU fans stand up and take action.* If you are concerned about animal abuse, perhaps you should participate in the search for solutions for some of the problems faced by the animals shown on their programs. Or, how about joining one of the international organizations that raise funds to protect tigers in the wild and to create better habitats (in their natural environment). *I’m a animal welfare advocate I do search for solutions and I’m also a member of many international organizations that raise awareness about animals such as tigers in the wild and captivity…..* Pack a lunch, drive to BR and sit with Mike for a day and learn to love him as much as the rest of Tiger Nation does--or perhaps, move somewhere else and just get a life. *For the record I have spent a few hours with Mike the tiger. Again I will say before you speak you may want to better educate yourself on tigers or any wildlife that is forced to live in captivity.* *P.S. Trying to educate ignorant people like you is my life because that is the only way that things will get better for animals like tigers*
4:14 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
Vet student said: I'm sure Dr. Baker would promptly rip off your balls and feed them to Mike just for the sheer laughter of it. *It is a scary thought to think that you may actually really be a vet student. You are a bit too aggressive to be handling innocent animals* I personally think Dr. Baker is the shiz so I am more than biased, but I'm pretty sure the man who has shitloads of letters behind his name knows a few more things about proper enclosures than you. *Anybody can have a “shitload” of letters behind their name that means nothing…..* We deal with people who will let their dog have diarrhea for 3 weeks, then drive in at 3 am for an emergency appointment, so excuse us if we fail to explain every one of our reasonings to the generally animal husbandry retarded populace. *Sadly “vet student” you are lacking compassion which is essential to becoming a decent vet, you may want to look into finding some other line of work that better suits you.* Thanks and have a nice day, cuz i'm sure Mike is. *Again you lack common sense and compassion….*
4:15 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
Gordon K. Scott said: Seriously? More of this crap from PETA? *I’m not PETA and do not support PETA….* You need to get away from the computer and go back to giving blowjobs to a seal. There are FAR worse conditions a live mascot could be living in. Don't attack the school who forked out $4 million to build a place for it to live in. *Clearly you are an immature human and cannot come up with anything better to say then this.* If you actually looked at Mike at the habitat, you'd notice that he's pretty happy. He gets fed regularly, he gets plenty of excercise, he's loved by hundreds of thousands of people, and he gets better health coverage than most Americans. STFU and GTFO. *So are you telling me that if you were “fed regularly” and “gets plenty of exercise” and “loved by thousands of people” that you would not need or want anything else out of life or DESERVE anything better out of life? What about a tiger’s natural instinct? After reading your comment you have made it more than clear that you know nothing about tigers!*
4:16 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
Really? said: But really, if you knew anything about veterinary medicine you would be kicking yourself in the ass right now for how much of a fool you just acted by publishing this online. *I have been studying “veterinary medicine” for over 10 years now and that is why I published this online.* Not only are you grammatically challenged, but you obviously don't know the first thing about what treatment Mike the Tiger receives. *Sadly people like you are more concerned about my “grammar” than a living breathing creature that should not be a “mascot” because he deserves more respect from idiots like you….. Also I want to be clear that I have done my research and have talked to many people from LSU about Mike the tiger and therefore can guarantee that I know more about Mike the tiger than you ever will.* I just attended a seminar about Mike's treatment and you are 100% wrong about pretty much everything you've written. Go read a book, fool. *The fool is the person that goes to a seminar and believed everything that he or she was told. What’s wrong you can’t think for yourself you have to be told what to think? Your pathetic, use your brain or even like you said read a book, FOOL!
4:16 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
dumb@ss said: I really think you should address David G. Baker as Dr. Baker out of respect. James, judging by her grammar, she is obviously in jr high or elementary school. If not, she does need to take a couple English courses. *It would be a waste of time because he will deny his actions. dumb@ss it’s sad that you are more concerned about my grammar then an innocent tiger that is wasting away behind a glass wall. Your name fits you well.*
4:17 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
mike said: Hey Sky, Go F%*k yourself. *That is impossible to do, come on you can do better than that.* U make it sound like Mike is drugged, *He is “drugged” for your entertainment” Knocked in the head, and drug by his neck infront of "Humans". *I never said that I had any knowledge of him being physically abused like being “knocked in the head”.* Prople like you are so out of touch with reality its pathetic. Look at what they are doing to tigers in China. You want to write a letter, write one to them you liberal douche Bag “People” like me have compassion and are very in touch with reality and refuse to just coward down and look the other way as “people” like you do. As for China, what happens in the United States is my concern not other countries. We have enough uneducated people like you to deal with right here at home in the USA.*
4:18 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
TIGERFANZZ said: Exhibit A, a multi-million dollar facility overseen by one of the nation's top vet schools, prime food placed in front of him, fresh water, a/c & heated sleeping area, life expectancy of 16-22 years. Exhibit B, grasslands, shrinking water holes, disease, shortage of food, hunters & natives tracking you down to kill you for food/sport, life expectancy of about 8-10 years. Yeah, I bet ol' Mike the Tiger is BEGGING to be released into a natural habitat. You are against animals being kept in cages. *Actually records show “life expectancy” to be as long as 15 years in the wild, but within captivity they usually live slightly longer, reaching 16-18 years of age. So if the tiger was given a choice of 15 years of freedom of 16-18 years of hell which do you think he would choose?* I am against animal cruelty. I would move into Mike's enclosure if they let me, have you seen that thing? Having an animal in a cage does NOT mean it is being treated cruel. GEAUX TIGERS!!! *You completely contradict yourself in your comment you may want to think about what you said.” The very act of cruelty to animals is not ‘human’. The subsequent standard of interaction that causes an animal distress is unwarranted. The unnecessary suffering caused to animals only robs the planet and environment of its inherent nature of co-existence.
4:18 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
Stop Liberalism said: Mike the Tiger lives in EXCELLENT conditions. Quit projecting human desires and needs onto animals. They are not our equals. *Your name says it all in short form it means 1.Freethinking 2. Broadmindedness 3. Open-mindedness you are none of the three. You are closed minded to think Mike lives in “EXCELLENT conditions” and to think that this is about “projecting human desires”. Your right they are not “our equals” they are innocent, voiceless creatures which are always forced to face people like you that think they are superior to all. Sadly I would suggest you getting in the “glass tank” with Mike the tiger and he will show you who is “superior”…….
4:19 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
LSU_Lou said: Prozac would do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING if it was given to Mike before a game. It's an SSRI (antidepressant) that takes weeks to months of use to have a therapeutic effect. You need to research your facts before making an arse of yourself. *Actually given in a high enough dose it would be used as a quick acting sedative for a creature such as a TIGER*
11:06 p.m., Feb. 26, 2010
tygerlily said:
Sky, I spoke only of Mike not Tony. As I have friends, also from LC, who are board members of an Internat'l Save the Tiger Organization, I do know and have done research on the survival of Tigers. I have also led my students, in researching and learning about the needs of many animals on the near extinction list. These little people have learned how to take action, which, hopefully, will carry thru to adulthood. Through the efforts of international organizations, the feasibility of tigers living in the wild is slowly being achieved. It has taken years to reach this goal and will take many more for it to reach fruition. You say that you belong to many organizations, but what is it that you have done or achieved? I notice that you had a comment for almost every line in my previous message, except the one about your plan for Mike if he were to be moved from his current habitat. I also would like to know what documentation you have for your comments about Mike's treatment, Dr. Baker and the LSU Vet School. I believe that you mentioned a former vet student. You also responded to a previous writer that you were not concerned about what happened in China, but only here in the USA. How can you not be concerned about what happens in Asia, as that IS the natural home of tigers. Tigers can not live in the wild because of these conditions and destruction of their habitats. The number of species of tigers have disappeared (become extinct) because of these conditions. It is only through the efforts of rescue organizations that the remaining species have been saved so that their numbers can be increased. My friend's organization and others are working to improve those conditions, so that at some future point the rescued tigers can be prepared to make the transition back to the wild. Until that happens, their species needs to be saved--or do you mind that there is a possibility of extinction in those areas that are of no interest to you. There are many ways to educate people and to solicit their support to find a solution for a problem. Attacks and verbal abuse based on undocumented evidence is not the best way. All it does is "turn them off", and solidify their current opinions. Perhaps if you posted pictures of Tony's cage, with non-subjective documentation, people might be persuaded to participate in a letter writing campaign. If someone were interested, to whom should they write. I will be driving home in April. Where would I find this truck stop? As to LC, I find that many of the philosophical, political and social viewpoints of the residents, are still based in the early 20th century. I find it entertaining to return home and rattle a few cages. I hope to educate through example not attacks. Perhaps you should do the same. I also suggest that you take a writing course. If you wish to attract supporters to you cause, the more literate you sound, the more willing others will be to listen to your evidence and to follow your lead.
10:56 a.m., Feb. 27, 2010
Sky Williamson said:
If you are interested in visiting Tony the tiger he lives in the parking lot of Tiger Truck Stop exit 139 in Grosse Tete Louisiana. For more information feel free to visit www.freetony.com I’m not going to go back and forth with you through comments. Since you have so much interest in animals I would suggest that you spend your energy on that which would be positive and productive verses worrying about my writing or grammar. Clearly I still got my point across and that is what is important. Sadly you feel that if you criticize with kindness that you are above all. As for “You say that you belong to many organizations, but what is it that you have done or achieved?” you can search the internet and see what I have done in the public’s eye but let me also share that I have done many things that do not need to be posted across the internet. I would also like to remind you that I do what I do for the animals not for the people. Whatever you may do in the future for animals in need I do wish you the best of luck. If we only help one animal at a time that is one less animal that suffers, thank you for that…….
8:50 a.m., Feb. 23, 2010
James said:
If you want to be taken seriously, you should take an English class. You seem to have difficulty putting 2 sentences together.