Overview
- The Tama Zoological Park confirmed that three female lions died after falling ill during a sudden mid‑July heat spike, with the animals dying on July 28, July 31 and August 2 respectively.
- Veterinarians reported widespread dehydration and multiple organ failure in all three lions and said heatstroke is the suspected cause though final confirmation awaits laboratory test results.
- Since mid‑July, 10 of the zoo’s 16 lions showed symptoms such as loss of appetite and lethargy, prompting the zoo to close the lion enclosure to visitors on July 23 and begin intensive treatment.
- Keepers used water sprays, industrial fans, intravenous fluids and medication and the zoo has added spot air conditioners, increased ventilation and expanded sprinkling to protect the remaining animals.
- The deaths come during an extreme nationwide heatwave that sent temperatures to 40°C or higher, led to thousands of heat‑related hospital visits and is linked by meteorologists to a strengthening Super El Niño and long‑term warming trends.