Three lionesses died at the Tokyo Zoo due to the extreme heat
Three lionesses died at Tama Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, due to extreme heat. Heatstroke is believed to be the cause of their deaths.
According to the publication, the animals, aged three to 15 years, died over the course of a week—from July 28 to August 2. Autopsies revealed that all three lionesses showed signs of severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, indicating heatstroke.
Last month, the zoo housed 16 lions—five males and 11 females ranging in age from one to 20 years. Due to the prolonged heatwave that began in mid-July, ten animals lost their appetite and became less active, requiring medical treatment.
Currently, one female lion and two male lions remain in serious condition. Veterinarians continue to provide them with the necessary care.
Due to the animals’ deteriorating condition, the zoo administration suspended public viewings of the lions on July 23.
Tama Zoo has been keeping and breeding lions since 1964. According to a Tokyo government official, this is the first time in the zoo’s history that lions have died due to extreme heat.
This was reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun.
As a reminder, during the heat wave in late June and early July, Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe. This is according to data from the Belgian public health institute Sciensano.
In the Japanese city of Nara, a former prison built over a century ago has been converted into a luxury hotel. The Hoshinoya Nara Prison Hotel complex opened in June after nearly seven years of renovation.
