A Little Zoo with a BIG Heart . . .

One of Michigan’s best-kept secrets is tucked away between a railroad and a river near downtown Lansing. Founded in 1920, Potter Park Zoo is the state’s oldest accredited zoo, yet today there are still Lansing residents who have never heard of it.

Little Zoo by the Red Cedar: The Story of Potter Park Zoo makes up for this neglect by revealing the true story of how caring people have kept the zoo alive. Small and largely underfunded, the zoo has survived to become a respected educational and wildlife research center—and a fun place to spend the day! Read about the history of Potter Park Zoo, but learn how zoos across the country have evolved. You’ll discover what it takes to be a zookeeper, as well as how medical and conservation science have become a key part of Lansing’s zoo. Along the way, you’ll meet friends like Herman the white-furred Mexican burro, who teases his keepers and zoo guests relentlessly, and Bingo, the bouncy baby elephant who captures the hearts of Lansing’s children and adults. You’ll also get to know the zoo staff and volunteers who have given their time, money, and hearts to Potter Park Zoo. Little Zoo by the Red Cedar is a story of the joys of meeting new friends and the pain of saying good-bye. It is a tale of the heartaches and triumphs of working together to save wildlife! 

Please go to YouTube to see a video for Little Zoo.

 
About the Author

Kevin Hile is a freelance editor and writer and has been a docent at Potter Park Zoo for nine years.  He lives in Mason, Michigan, Kevin has a B.A. from Adrian College, and has written and edited dozens of books.