Three lions at Tama Zoological Park died from suspected heatstroke during Japan's record-breaking summer heatwave.
Three female lions at the Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo died within a week due to suspected heat-related illness. The lions, aged three to 15, suffered from dehydration and multiple organ failure as Japan experienced some of its hottest summer temperatures on record. Zoo staff provided ventilation, water sprays, and medication to the affected animals. While three lionesses died, several others remain under treatment in a private enclosure equipped with portable air-conditioners. Experts note that high humidity makes it difficult for lions to regulate their body temperatures, as they rely on deep breaths to expel moisture rather than sweating. This heatwave coincides with a "Super El Niño" weather event, which is expected to strengthen rapidly in the coming months. The extreme temperatures have also impacted human residents, with over 43,000 people in Japan taken to the hospital for heatstroke this summer. The government has issued heat warnings and urged residents to take measures to stay cool.