Three female lions have died of suspected heatstroke at Tama Zoological Park in Hino, western Tokyo, as Japan endures a record-breaking heatwave. The lions, aged three, 11, and 15, died within the past week, according to the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Tokyo Zoological Park Society.
First lion deaths since 1964
This marks the first lion deaths at the zoo since it began keeping the animals in 1964. Post-mortem examinations revealed widespread dehydration and multiple organ failure, but the zoo said the cause would not be confirmed until laboratory results are available.
Ten of the zoo's 16 lions have reportedly required treatment since temperatures rose in mid-July. Some lions were left unable to stand in the heat, and staff attempted to cool them with fans, cold water sprays, and medication. Despite these efforts, their conditions worsened, and the lion enclosure was closed to the public on July 23.
Record heatwave and its impact
Japan recorded temperatures of 40°C or above on five consecutive days through July 25, the longest such run since comparable records began. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has declared the heatwave a disaster, a designation typically reserved for earthquakes and typhoons.
Between July 20 and 26, around 18,600 people were taken to hospital for heatstroke, with 45 pronounced dead on arrival, the agency said. One female and two male lions are still being treated.
Zoo's response
A zoo spokesperson said: "Even though lions are thought to be resistant to heat, zoo keepers have been strengthening countermeasures to cope with Japan's summer heat in recent years. Heat here comes with high humidity; that is different from heat with dry air in Africa." They added: "But this summer, heat arrived suddenly after the rainy season was over in late July."
