Three female lions have died from suspected heatstroke at Tokyo’s Tama Zoological Park as Japan continues to experience extreme summer temperatures.
The lions, aged three, 11 and 15, are the first lion fatalities linked to heat in the zoo’s 62-year history.
Zoo officials say 10 of the park’s 16 lions became lethargic and lost their appetite after temperatures surged in mid-July. While several recovered with treatment, three died despite intensive care.
Post-mortem examinations found severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, with heatstroke believed to be the likely cause. The lion enclosure has been closed to visitors while the remaining animals continue to receive treatment.
Japan has been hit by an intense heatwave, with temperatures approaching 39°C in Tokyo and exceeding 40°C in some parts of the country, prompting widespread heatstroke warnings.
Zoo staff have increased cooling measures, including water spraying, improved ventilation and intravenous treatment, as they work to protect the remaining lions from the ongoing extreme heat.
