POTTER PARK ZOO

LANSING, MI – Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is closing due to severe winter weather. The park will close on Friday for the safety of guests, staff and animals. In addition to the Christmas holiday, a severe winter storm is expected to move through Michigan over the weekend. Heavy snowfall, whiteout conditions, ice-covered roads, sub-zero wind chills and temperatures in the teens and single digits are expected. Potter Park Zoo is home to nearly 500 animals, including critically endangered black rhinos, Amur tigers, endangered red pandas, Massasauga rattlesnake and spider monkeys.

A red panda at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing gave birth to a cub in late July.

LANSING, MI – A tiny, fluffy red panda cub was recently born at Potter Park Zoo near Lansing. The cub, like all red pandas, was born blind, deaf and small enough to fit in the palm of one hand. “The cub is actively nursing and growing at a healthy rate.”This red panda cub was born on July 21, 2022, to mating pair Maliha and Deagan-Reid at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich.Provided by Potter Park ZooEvery red panda birth is a win for the endangered species. There are about 200 red pandas in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which conducts survival programs for many species, including red pandas, to maintain genetic diversity. Introducing another red panda cub to the (Species Survival Program) is crucial for the species moving forward.

The Potter Park Zoo welcomed three binturong babies, or bintlets, on the Fourth of July. Female binturong, Thistle, gave birth to her three babies which is the first binturong birth at the zoo in over two decades.

LANSING, MI – A ring-tailed lemur was recently born at Potter Park Zoo – it’s first in 34 years. A ring-tailed lemur was born on June 20, 2022, at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. A ring-tailed lemur was born on June 20, 2022, at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. A ring-tailed lemur was born on June 20, 2022, at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich. This is the first lemur birth at the zoo in 34 years.Provided by Potter Park ZooA ring-tailed lemur was born on June 20, 2022, at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich.

LANSING, MI – Potter Park Zoo is asking for the public’s help in naming a female bongo calf born earlier this year. Only around 100 are thought to remain in the wild, partly because their ornate horns and unique orange coat make them targets of poaching. All donations will support Potter Park Zoo. Their unique orange coat features 10-15 narrow vertical white stripes over the back and down the sides, plus one chest stripe. READ MORE:It could take 3 years for Michiganders to see $3 gas againJuneteenth federal holiday to be observed June 20: What’s closed, what’s open?

A female baby bongo was born at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing and the zoo is asking for the public's help in choosing a name for her.

LANSING, MI — Staff members at a Lansing zoo this month welcomed the birth of an eastern bongo calf, a species critically endangered because of poaching and habitat destruction. The yet-to-be-named female was the first bongo calf born at Potter Park Zoo since 2014, officials said. A bongo calf can stand up to 4 feet tall. The baby calf’s parents, Maverick and Uzuri, were paired as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, which oversees a handful of eastern bongo births annually, zoo officials said. “We are excited that Potter Park can contribute to this effort.”Zoo officials said they plan to provide updates on the baby bongo calf on the organization’s Facebook page.

LANSING, MI – Staff at Potter Park Zoo are mourning the death of its 13-year-old gray wolf. Tala died this week after a reoccurrence of cancer that staff at the Lansing zoo brought under control in 2020. “Though every measure was taken to improve her outlook, Tala succumbed to her condition yesterday (Feb. 9),” zoo staff said in a statement. “She will be missed dearly by staff and visitors alike.”Potter Park Zoo is home to nearly 500 animals, including critically endangered black rhinos, Amur tigers, endangered red pandas, Massasauga rattlesnake and spider monkeys. READ MORE:Little otter from Michigan zoo gets a root canalMeet the newest Detroit Tiger who can now be seen prowling around in the snowEndangered red panda at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo is pregnantMichigan zoo’s ‘landmark’ black rhino calf heading to new home, will be paired with female‘Inspiring’ 16-year-old Amur tiger dies at Lansing’s Potter Park ZooElk to roam former moose habitat at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo

LANSING, MI – A little otter recently received a root canal at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. During a recent exam of North American river otter Miles, it was discovered that he needed a root canal, zoo officials said. North American river otter Miles, a resident of Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, recently received a root canal after a routine exam revealed dental disease.Provided by Potter Park ZooTurner volunteers her services to the zoo for complicated cases, like root canals, that are outside the zoo veterinary staff’s expertise. Dental care at the zoo ranges from routine cleaning and polishing to root canals on animals like lions, Eustace said. Anyone interested in donation toward the dental equipment purchase can contact Potter Park Zoo at 517-244-8042 or online here.

There’s a new tiger on the prowl at the Detroit Zoo.

ROYAL OAK, MI - We are getting our first look at the newest Detroit Tiger. Meet Ameliya, who can now be seen prowling in the snow at the Devereaux Tiger Forest at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. She came to the Detroit Zoo from the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing where she was born in September 2011. She has been living at the Detroit Zoo for about a year and has finally made her public debut. The Detroit Zoo is open 362 days a year, closing only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

LANSING, MI – A cotton-top tamarin family group at Potter Park Zoo is now ten strong. Cotton-top tamarin social groups abide by a strict hierarchy, with one monogamous pair sharing exclusive breeding rights. There are about 200 cotton-top tamarins in 60 AZA-accredited zoos across the United States. Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered. READ MORE:Detroit Zoo adds young giraffe, Zara, to herd for future breedingBlack-and-white colobus monkey born at Binder Park ZooCritically endangered baby rhino born at Michigan zoo on Christmas EveElk to roam former moose habitat at Lansing’s Potter Park ZooNaming contest for 2 otter pups born at Michigan zoo raises $5,735

LANSING, MI – A Michigan zoo’s 17-year-old female African lion has died. Staff at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing announced Monday that Saida was euthanized after an ongoing struggle with age-related arthritis and spinal issues. Zoo staff said Saida had been recovering over the past few months with her ability to move improving substantially, but her condition declined recently and euthanasia was determined to be the most humane option. No further treatment options were available, according to zoo staff. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.”Zoo visitors and community members have been leaving memories and sharing photos of Saida on the zoo’s Facebook page.

LANSING, MI – Another Michigan is set to begin vaccinating animals who are belived to be susceptible to COVID-19. Potter Park Zoo in Lansing announced Monday that a tiger, lions, and a snow leopard received the vaccine, which was developed for animal use and donated to the zoo by pharmaceutical company Zoetis. “We take every measure possible to provide safe and quality care to all animals at Potter Park Zoo,” said Cynthia Wagner, Potter Park Zoo Director. “Utilizing this COVID-19 vaccine is another step we can take to protect the animals in our care.”To date, no COVID-19 infections have been found in animals at Potter Park Zoo, according to a news release. We are extremely grateful to Zoetis for providing this vaccine to Potter Park Zoo and zoos across the country,” said Dr. Ronan Eustace, Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health.

This weekend is the last chance to see Michigan’s black rhino calf Jaali in action at Potter Park Zoo before he leaves for his new home in California. Jaali was the first black rhino born at Potter Park in its century-long history and zoo officials couldn’t let him leave without a celebration. Jaali, a black rhino calf born at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, will soon be relocated to The Living Desert Zoo in California where he will be matched with a female. Jaali, a black rhino calf born at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, will soon be relocated to The Living Desert Zoo in California where he will be matched with a female. The AZA also recommended that his parents, Doppsee and Phineas, continue breeding – that could mean another black rhino calf in Potter Park’s future.

Potter Park Zoo is offering a chance to find out. Registration is now open for the Lansing park’s Sundown Safari, a unique camping opportunity for families and small groups to come experience the zoo after dark. The overnight experience begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 14 and ends at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. Campers will take a guided tour of the zoo, enjoy s’mores around the campfire, watch a movie outdoors, and sleep under the stars. READ MORE:Michigan’s Potter Park Zoo welcomes prehensile-tailed porcupine for first timeEndangered red panda at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo is pregnantMichigan zoo’s ‘landmark’ black rhino calf heading to new home, will be paired with female‘Inspiring’ 16-year-old Amur tiger dies at Lansing’s Potter Park ZooElk to roam former moose habitat at Lansing’s Potter Park ZooPair of critically endangered cotton-top tamarins born at Michigan zooMichigan zoo mourning death of beloved 22-year-old camel, Mackenzie

LANSING, MI – A 17-year-old African lion recently traveled from Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo to Michigan State University to undergo an MRI. Potter Park staff says Saida, who is now a geriatric lion, suffered a slipped disc in her lower back which is causing the compression of her spinal nerves. All possible treatment options are being explored, but her prognosis for recovery is guarded, according to a news release. Saida was transported to Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine after animal care staff noticed she was reluctant to move and appeared to be in pain. Saida is now recovering from the procedure at the zoo, which will post updates on Saida’s condition as information becomes available.

LANSING, MI – A pair of panda cubs small enough to hold in your palm were born at Potter Park Zoo on the Fourth of July. The zoo announced in mid-June that its 7-year-old red panda Maliha was pregnant. RELATED: Endangered red panda at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo is pregnantTwo red pandas were born at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich., on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Red panda newborns are deaf, blind and can fit into an average adult’s palm. The tiny cubs are small enough to fit in an average adult's palm.Provided by Potter Park ZooHowever, that doesn’t mean you can’t see the tiny red pandas.

LANSING, MI – A new lady has moved into Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. Zoo staff announced Thursday the arrival of the park’s newest resident – a female prehensile-tailed porcupine named Sophie, who arrived recently from Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska. The species is a newcomer to Potter Park Zoo. This adaptation is shared by a few other species at Potter Park, including the Binturong and Spider Monkey. The prehensile-tailed porcupine can be viewed in the bird and reptile building alongside the golden lion tamarins.

LANSING, MI – Potter Park Zoo’s endangered seven-year-old red panda is pregnant. The news comes after Maliha’s successful introduction to male Deagan-Reid, who was transferred from Zoo Knoxville earlier this year. “Maliha’s pregnancy is not only great news for Potter Park Zoo, but for red pandas as an endangered species.”” said Potter Park Zoo Director Cynthia Wagner. Her new cubs will join a small but valuable population of less than 220 red pandas in AZA institutions across the country, including at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids and the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The red panda population continues to decline, with less than 2,500 adult red pandas left in the wild.

INGHAM COUNTY — The Potter Park Zoo will give families free admission if one member is vaccinated at the zoo’s clinic. The zoo, located at 1031 Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing, is hosting Ingham County Health Department in administering Pfizer vaccines. The vaccine is available for anyone age 12 and up. The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. If one family member gets vaccinated, the family can enter the zoo free of charge, according to a Twitter post from the zoo.

LANSING, MI -- Jaali, the first black rhino calf in Potter Park’s 100-year history, is heading to a new home this fall. Zoo staff said Jaali’s transition to a new facility is bittersweet but can only be described as a continuation of his success story. RELATED: Baby black rhino at Michigan’s Potter Park Zoo has a nameIn addition to Jaali’s breeding recommendation, the SSP has announced that Doppsee and Phineus are ready to try for a second calf. Potter Park Zoo staff have already begun monitoring Doppsee’s estrus cycles so she can be introduced to Phineus at her most fertile and receptive time. “We’ve learned a lot from Jaali, and our staff are ready to continue our black rhino breeding program.

LANSING, MI – Potter Park Zoo is mourning the death of its 16-year-old Amur Tiger. “After animal care staff noticed he was reluctant to move, veterinary staff diagnosed the spinal disease as the cause of his discomfort,” said Dr. Ronan Eustace, Potter Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Health. “Treatment to address his spinal disease was initiated, but his condition worsened quickly and it was determined euthanasia was the humane decision.”Sivaki, who was born at Potter Park Zoo, fathered three cubs and inspired many zoo visitors through the years, according to zoo staff. I will miss him greatly.”The Potter Park Zoo team is thanking the community for its support during this difficult time. Liya, the zoo’s female Amur tiger, was sent to another zoo following a breeding recommendation from the Amur Tiger Species Survival Program (SSP) in December 2020.

LANSING, MI – North American river otters at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo have delivered their first set of triplets. Nkeke gave birth to the three pups on Wednesday, Feb. 3 – almost a year after her last litter. “This is Miles and Nkeke’s third litter of pups, and while each litter has been exciting, this one is especially so since it is their first set of triplets,” said Carolyn Schulte, Potter Park Zoo otter keeper. Nkeke was transferred to Potter Park Zoo in 2016 from the Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island, and Miles was Potter Park Zoo’s first otter birth in 2013. Otter pups are born fully furred but take around five weeks to open their eyes.

FLINT, MI -- To General Motors’ Flint Metal Center, a collection of fire hoses that required replacement served no useful purpose. But for a colony of spider monkeys, an endangered Amur tiger and a family of North American river otters at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, the repurposed hoses have become new toys -- braided for use in feeding, climbing and playing. Monica Walker, GM environmental engineer at the Metal Center, said the National Fire Protection Association requires the replacement of fire hoses every five years, if the hoses have not been flushed with water. 3 Used fire hoses from GM’s Flint Metal Center find new home at Potter Park Zoo“The fire hose we get from Flint is the perfect size for us. Read more on MLive:Elk to roam former moose habitat at Lansing’s Potter Park ZooPotter Park Zoo to reopen next week with coronavirus safety protocolsA look back at historic Flint Metal Center strike on eve of 15th anniversary

LANSING, MI – Staff at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo are preparing to say goodbye to one if its well-known animal residents. Liya the female Amur tiger is heading to another zoo following a breeding recommendation from the Amur Tiger Species Survival Program (SSP). Liya is leaving Potter Park Zoo for a breeding placement at another AZA accredited zoo. Liya, along with her father Sivaki, have been the two tigers residing at Potter Park Zoo for the past nine years. Nearly 500 animals call Potter Park Zoo home, including critically endangered black rhinos, Amur tigers, and endangered red pandas, Massasauga rattlesnake and spider monkeys.

LANSING, MI – A beloved camel at Potter Park Zoo has died. The median life expectancy for Bactrian camels is 17.8 years and Mackenzie was 22-years-old, according to zoo staff. “Mackenzie reached the point where she was unable to stand and the animal care team made the humane decision to euthanize her.”Mackenzie came to Potter Park Zoo from the St. Louis Zoo in 1999. Ernest, the zoo’s male Bactrian camel, can still be seen in the camel exhibit by zoo visitors all year long. The wild population of Bactrian camels is critically endangered with an estimated less than 1,000 left in the wild.

LANSING, MI – A family of cotton-top tamarins continues to grow at Lansing’s Potter Park Zoo. All eight of the tamarins, including the two babies born Oct. 2 are living in a family group at Potter Park Zoo. This makes Potter Park Zoo’s cotton-top tamarins very important in helping visitors learn about and connect with the endangered species. Potter Park Zoo was recommended to breed the pair of cotton-top tamarins by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. READ MORE:Black-and-white colobus monkey born at Binder Park ZooCritically endangered baby rhino born at Michigan zoo on Christmas EveElk to roam former moose habitat at Lansing’s Potter Park ZooNaming contest for 2 otter pups born at Michigan zoo raises $5,735

LANSING, Mich. – The Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is celebrating the birth of a black rhino calf. Doppsee, the zoo’s 12-year-old black rhino, gave birth to her first calf at 5:40 a.m. on Christmas Eve. There are just over 50 black rhinos in the care of AZA accredited zoos, according to Potter Park Zoo. “This is a monumental moment for Potter Park Zoo that has taken our staff years of planning and hard work. We are dedicated to conserving rhinos and couldn’t be more excited about this successful black rhino birth,” said Cynthia Wagner, Director of Potter Park Zoo.

LANSING, Mich. - A black rhino at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is expecting a baby. The black rhino is a critically endangered species. She has been part of the Species Survival Plan, which helps endangered animals in zoos and aquariums survive. Michigan State University veterinary students are working with zoo staff to monitor the pregnancy and plan for the baby's delivery. Rhino pregnancies aren't always visually evident, so it took several ultrasounds to confirm that she was pregnant.