LITTLE ROCK (June 26, 2025) – The Little Rock Zoo is sad to announce the passing of its youngest male orangutan, Kota, who passed earlier this week from encephalitis.
The animal care staff observed Kota showing signs of lethargy. The Zoo veterinary staff and animal care staff worked together to administer care. Specialists were called to assist, but Kota continued to decline. Gross necropsy showed lesions on Kota’s brain indicative of diffuse encephalopathy, or widespread dysfunction of the brain and brain hemorrhaging. Lab sample results should reveal a more specific cause.
Kota was born at the Little Rock Zoo on February 23, 2024, to Bornean orangutans Berani and Bandar. He was the second baby born to the pair after Kasih was born in 2019. Kota quickly captured the hearts of guests and staff and will be greatly missed by all.
