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Mich. (News 10) – Potter Park Zoo has announced the death of Kota, a 19-year-old lion who was suffering from severe spinal disease
According to the zoo, Kota began showing signs of declining health over the past several weeks, including a sudden decrease in appetite and mobility
Veterinarians evaluated Kota before transporting him to the Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center, where he underwent a CT scan and an upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination. The tests confirmed severe spinal disease, which the zoo said is common in geriatric large cats
Kota was taken off exhibit last Thursday as his condition worsened
Because of Kota’s age and the severity of his condition, surgery was not considered ad on keeping him comfortable and maintaining his quality of life
When Kota stopped responding to available treatments, the teams made the decision to humanely euthanize him, the zoo 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. “Most of our staff do not know a Potter Park Zoo without Kota and we will all miss him greatly.”
At 19, Kota was one of the oldest male lions at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo. The zoo said he exceeded the median life expectancy for African lions, which is about 16.9 years
Kota spent more than 18 years at Potter Park Zoo and was a familiar presence to generations of visitors and staff
The zoo is planning renovations to its big cat exhibits beginning in 2027. As a result, the zoo does not plan to bring in new big cats until the renovations are completed in 2028
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