Goodbye Kota: Last Lion at Potter Park Zoo | Lansing News

Lansing News Today | 2 Min | The Daily News Now! · Aug 10, 2026 · 1m

The Potter Park Zoo bids farewell to Kota, its beloved 19-year-old African lion and last remaining member of the pride, who was humanely euthanized after suffering from a debilitating spinal condition that couldn’t be treated. A zoo icon since 2008, Kota greeted visitors with his signature roar for decades and brought joy to generations of families. His passing marks the end of an era — with no new big cats planned until renovations in 2028, the zoo will feel his absence deeply. Staff who knew him for nearly 20 years say he was more than an animal; he was family. Listen in comfort:Get a…