LANSING — Potter Park Zoo will be a quieter place now that one of its most popular residents is gone, and that is very much a sad thing.
The zoo announced on Aug. 10 that Kota, its 19-year-old African lion, has been euthanized because he no longer was responding to treatment for his severe spinal disease. He had lived at the zoo on South Pennsylvania Avenue since 2008.
“Kota had a proud, confident presence, but those who knew him best also knew his incredible personality,” zoo officials said in a Facebook posting. “Whether he was basking in the morning sun, exploring his habitat, or announcing the start of the day with one of his unmistakable roars, Kota embodied everything people love about lions and served as an incredible ambassador for his species.
“We’ll miss his roar, his presence, and the joy he brought to guests each day.”
Kota was the last surviving member of the zoo’s “regal trio of lions.” Ulana, and her sister, Saida, passed away separately a few years ago.
The zoo recently announced that Kota was suffering from a severe back condition, a common malady affecting geriatric large cats. Ulana, then also 19, was suffering from the same condition when she was euthanized in late 2023.
The zoo noted that Kota had been a familiar presence, and even a tradition, for generations of visitors. He was known to greet guests with a roar.
“Our hearts are with everyone who took the time to visit Kota, learn about African lions, and create memories while watching him roar, play, or patrol his habitat,” officials wrote. “We’re especially thinking of our animal care team, who spent nearly two decades building trust, providing exceptional care, and ensuring Kota lived a long, healthy life. Kota will live on through the guests he impacted and inspired to learn about and care for wildlife.”
Lions in zoos are known to live into their late teens and early 20s, compared to up to 16 years for lions in the wild, according to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation and Biology Institute. Kota was among the oldest male lions at zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Potter Park officials said.
Surgery was not a viable option for Kota, so the zoo’s animal care team focused on treatment to extend his quality of life with severe spinal disease.
“When Kota was no longer responding to the available treatment options, our veterinary and animal care teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him,” said officials, who did not specify exactly when Kota died.
There are no plans to bring in new cats until the zoo finishes a renovation of the big cat exhibits in 2028, officials said.
“Kota spent more than 18 years at Potter Park Zoo and made an impact on everyone who had the opportunity to meet and get to know him,” Animal Care Supervisor Pat Fountain said in the zoo’s statement. “Most of our staff do not know a Potter Park Zoo without Kota and we will all miss him greatly.”
Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing zoo says goodbye to its last remaining lion, Kota
Reporting by Ken Palmer, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Ken Palmer, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
