Three lionesses die in Tokyo zoo as heatwave scorches East Asia

A severe heatwave gripping East Asia has led to the deaths of three lions at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park, with heatstroke suspected as the cause. The lions, aged three, 11, and 15, succumbed to the extreme temperatures in recent days. Zookeepers had been implementing enhanced measures to protect the animals from Japan's summer heat, which is characterized by high humidity, differing from the dry heat found in Africa where lions typically reside.

“

According to our veterinarian, the cause of the deaths is suspected to be heatstroke.

South Korea is grappling with unprecedented heat, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to declare a national disaster. The country has recorded its hottest day ever, with temperatures reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in Yangsan on Sunday. This marks the highest temperature in 122 years of weather observations. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reports 19 heat-related deaths nationwide, with a significant number of those aged 80 or above. Over 2,000 people have suffered heat-related illnesses since mid-May.

President Lee expressed concern that abnormal weather conditions suggest extreme heat will persist. He is pushing for a major redesign of the disaster response system to better cope with these hazardous conditions. Meanwhile, North Korea is also experiencing extreme heat, with state media issuing advisories and water parks drawing large crowds, though casualty figures remain unknown due to media restrictions.

“

Even though lions are thought to be resistant to heat, zookeepers have been strengthening countermeasures to cope with Japan’s summer heat in recent years. Heat here comes with high humidity that is different from heat with dry air in Africa.

Japan has not been spared, with nearly 18,600 people hospitalized for heatstroke between July 20 and 26. Tragically, 45 individuals died upon arrival at the hospital during that period. Parts of Japan have registered temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius, leading to the designation of "cruelly hot days."

“

An even greater concern is that abnormal weather conditions make it highly likely that extreme weather will continue for a considerable period.