Three female lions at Tokyo’s Tama Zoological Park have died within a week, with heat stress suspected as the cause amid Japan’s record summer temperatures.
The lions, aged between three and 15 years, showed signs of dehydration and multiple organ failure according to autopsies conducted by the zoo. This marks an unprecedented event for the zoo, which has never before lost lions to heat-related illness despite experiencing hot summers.
Timeline and symptoms:
- Mugi, a three-year-old lioness, lost appetite on July 19 and became unable to stand the following day. Despite treatments including fluids and vitamins, she died on July 28.
- Ichigo, aged 11, died on July 31.
- Luena, the oldest at 15, passed away recently on August 2.
Currently, three other lions remain unwell and are receiving supportive care. Some have shown signs of improvement, while others remain stable.
To protect the remaining lions, the zoo has suspended lion exhibits and introduced climate-controlled enclosures equipped with air conditioners and industrial fans.
Experts Link Deaths to Heat and Humidity
Veterinary experts note that lions regulate body temperature by panting, which is less effective during high humidity. The recent sudden temperature spike in mid-July likely prevented the animals from acclimatising to the extreme heat.
Japan has experienced several days exceeding 40°C this summer, with over 43,000 heatstroke hospitalisations nationwide. Authorities have issued warnings and advised residents to adopt cooler clothing and other heat-mitigation measures.
Tama Zoo is home to about 260 animal species and has featured lions as a major attraction since 1964, including a safari-style bus tour. The current heatwave has forced a temporary halt to these lion-related activities to safeguard animal welfare.
