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Three Lionesses Die of Suspected Heatstroke at Japanese Zoo
🇩🇰 Denmark /Environment & Climate

Three Lionesses Die of Suspected Heatstroke at Japanese Zoo

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Three female lions have died at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo due to suspected heatstroke amid high temperatures and humidity.
  • Since mid-July, 10 of the zoo's 16 lions showed symptoms like reduced appetite and activity, with three succumbing to the heat.
  • The zoo has implemented measures such as air conditioning and misting systems to protect the remaining lions, as Japan experiences a severe heatwave.

Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park is mourning the loss of three female lions, believed to have died from heatstroke during a severe heatwave gripping the Japanese capital. The extreme temperatures and high humidity have taken a toll on the big cats, which are struggling to cope with the unseasonable weather.

According to our veterinarian, the suspected cause of death is heatstroke, as the lions showed signs of dehydration and organ failure.

— Tama Zoological Park spokespersonExplaining the suspected cause of death for the lions.

Since mid-July, a significant portion of the zoo's lion population has exhibited signs of distress. Ten out of the 16 lions housed at the park have shown symptoms including decreased appetite and lethargy. Tragically, three lionesses have died: one on Tuesday, another last Friday, and a third on Sunday. A zoo spokesperson confirmed that a veterinarian suspects heatstroke as the cause, citing signs of dehydration and organ failure in the deceased animals.

While lions are generally considered resilient to heat, the zoo has intensified efforts in recent years to shield them from Japan's summer climate. The current heatwave is particularly challenging due to its combination with high humidity, a stark contrast to the dry heat found in their native African habitats. The spokesperson noted that the heat arrived very suddenly this year.

Although lions are considered resistant to heat, zookeepers have strengthened efforts in recent years to protect them from the Japanese summer heat.

— Tama Zoological Park spokespersonDescribing the zoo's efforts to protect lions from heat, despite their natural resilience.

In response, the zoo has installed air conditioning units and implemented misting systems to cool the lions' enclosures. Despite these measures, several lions continue to receive treatment for heatstroke symptoms. This situation mirrors broader concerns in Japan, where last year recorded the hottest summer in history, and recent weeks have seen temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The country is grappling with heat-related illnesses, with nearly 18,600 hospitalizations and 45 deaths recorded in a single week earlier this summer.

The heat is accompanied by high humidity, which is different from the dry heat in Africa.

— Tama Zoological Park spokespersonHighlighting the specific environmental challenges faced by the lions in Tokyo.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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