Three female lions have died from suspected heatstroke at a zoo in Tokyo, and several of its other big cats are undergoing treatment due to the current hot temperatures.
Parts of the country have hit 40C in recent weeks, qualifying for the new ‘cruelly hot day’ designation, introduced as the effects of the climate crisis became more apparent.
Since mid-July, 10 of the 16 lions in Tama Zoological Park have suffered from ‘loss of appetite and decreased activity’, and three lionesses had died, the zoo said in a statement
The cause of the deaths is suspected to be heatstroke, as dehydration and multiple organ failure were observed by a veterinarian.
‘Even though lions are thought to be resistant to heat, zoo keepers 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,’ a zoo spokesperson said.
‘But this summer, heat arrived suddenly after the rainy season was over. We are strengthening measures against the heat, sprinkling water, improving ventilation and installing spot air conditioners.’
The lions were named Mugi, Ichigo and Ruena.
Investigations at the zoo first focussed on Mugi who began showing signs of loss of appetite on July 19th, and the following day, the 20th, was unable to stand.
The zoo said: ‘Suspecting that the heatwave was causing her to become unwell, we continued to provide ventilation and water to help her cool down. On the 24th, she began to eat small amounts of food that was brought to her mouth, but there was no significant improvement in her condition.
‘From the 26th, we administered subcutaneous fluids, liver tonics, and vitamins through a fence and carefully monitored its condition, but unfortunately, we confirmed death around 11:00 am on the 28th.’
The zoo’s lion enclosure is now closed to visitors as is the Lion Bus which began operating in May 1964 as the world’s first safari-style attraction.
