Three female lions at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park have died of suspected heatstroke following a sudden spike in mid-July temperatures across Japan. These lions, aged between three and 15 years and all born at the zoo, represent the first heat-related fatalities among the facility's lion population in its 62-year history.

Post-mortem examinations revealed severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, though the exact cause of death remains under investigation, according to a zoo press release.

As temperatures rose, most of the zoo's 16 lions began losing appetite and became lethargic, requiring treatment. While some lions recovered, others developed severe symptoms such as inability to stand and loss of consciousness. Treatment efforts include water-spraying and intravenous medication.

An official from Tama Zoo stated, "No other animals have shown any signs of illness, but the staff are managing the animals more carefully than before." Staff provided ventilation, water, subcutaneous fluids, liver tonics, and vitamins to affected lions.

Miwa Kosaka noted, "Last year was also hot, but none of our lions fell ill like this." The BBC reported that Luena, a 15-year-old female lion, died on Sunday.

The zoo has temporarily closed its lion enclosure to the public as it continues to monitor and care for the remaining lions.

Sources