Three Lions Dead at Tokyo Zoo Amid Record Heatwave
Tama Zoological Park grapples with suspected heatstroke deaths as Japan endures 'disaster' summer.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Three female lions died at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo from suspected heatstroke.
The lions, aged three, 11, and 15, perished during this period.
Tama Zoological Park closed its lion enclosure to the public on July 23 as the animals' condition deteriorated.
These deaths occurred during a summer Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency described as a 'disaster'. Record-breaking temperatures led to thousands of heat-related hospitalisations and dozens of deaths nationwide.
Japan recorded temperatures of 40C or above for five consecutive days up to July 25.
This is the first time we've experienced anything like this. Last year was also hot, but none of our lions fell ill like this.
Miwa Kosaka stated, "This is the first time we've experienced anything like this. Last year was also hot, but none of our lions fell ill like this."
Tama Zoological Park claims the lions died of suspected heatstroke, noting a veterinarian observed dehydration and multiple organ failure. However, Tama Zoo also claims the causes of death can only be determined after test results are out, with confirmation pending specific laboratory results.