“Mike the Tiger” has been known as a beloved and notable animal on LSU’s campus for years.

There have been six Bengal/Bengali-Siberian tigers playing the role of LSU’s official live mascot. The first animal — Mike I — represented the university from 1936-1956.

Sadly, Mike VI passed away earlier on Tuesday due to spindle cell sarcoma — a type of cancer. The search for Mike VII has already began…although PETA is vehemently against the idea.

Once Mike VI was euthanized, PETA’s associate director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews, released this statement:

“This sad day could mark a kind new beginning for LSU, where sensitive, intelligent tigers have been reduced to game-day props for decades. PETA is calling on the university to honor Mike VI’s legacy by making him the last live mascot to be locked up in captivity and paraded around an unruly stadium. The last thing LSU should do is condemn yet another tiger to a lifetime of exploitation.”

As of Tuesday evening, there’s been no response from the university.