In Japan, a tragic incident at a zoo saw lions succumb to suspected heatstroke during an unprecedented heatwave. Three lionesses, aged three, 11, and 15, lost their lives at Tama Zoological Park in Hino, Tokyo, as reported by the Tokyo metropolitan government and the Tokyo Zoological Park Society. Post-mortem examinations revealed that the lions suffered from severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, pending final confirmation through lab results.
Out of the zoo’s 16 lions, ten required urgent care as temperatures soared in mid-July. Despite efforts by staff to mitigate the heat with fans, cold water sprays, and medication, some lions became incapacitated. Consequently, the lion enclosure was closed to the public on July 23. Veterinarians worked tirelessly to save the animals, but sadly, three lions perished, while one female and two males are still under treatment.
Japan experienced scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C for five consecutive days until July 25, marking a historic heatwave. The extreme weather prompted the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency to classify it as a disaster, a classification typically reserved for earthquakes and typhoons. The agency reported that around 18,600 individuals were hospitalized for heatstroke between July 20 and 26, with 45 fatalities upon arrival.
A spokesperson from the zoo highlighted that despite lions’ presumed heat resistance, measures to combat Japan’s summer heat have been intensified in recent years. They emphasized the difference in humidity levels compared to African heat, noting the abrupt onset of intense heat following the end of the rainy season in late July.
