Extreme heatwave kills three lions in Tokyo zoo
Three female lions at the Tama Zoological Park in western Tokyo have died within a single week from dehydration caused by an intense heatwave gripping Japan.
The fatalities began when three-year-old Mugi exhibited a loss of appetite on 19 July before losing the ability to stand the following day. Despite emergency interventions from zoo staff, she died on 28 July. Eleven-year-old Ichigo followed on 31 July, and 15-year-old Luena died on the subsequent Sunday.
Three more lions, two males and one female, remain unwell and unable to stand. Staff are actively administering continuous fluids, medication and nutritional supplements, with caretakers noting encouraging signs of improvement in some of the affected animals.
Four other lions have successfully recovered, while six members of the pride remained completely healthy throughout the crisis. Surviving animals have been relocated to private indoor enclosures equipped with portable air-conditioners and industrial cooling fans.
Climate crisis takes a toll
Established in 1964 and housing roughly 260 animal species, Tama Zoo suspended its lion exhibit and safari-style bus service following the sudden onset of extreme weather. Zoo representatives stated this situation marks the first time facility staff have encountered such fatalities during high summer temperatures.
The news comes as Japan’s urban centres regularly record extreme days when temperatures exceed 40°C.
University of Tokyo veterinary medicine professor Hideaki Karaki explained that extreme humidity severely impedes a lion’s natural cooling mechanisms. Unlike humans, felines do not sweat; instead, they expel moisture via deep panting to lower their core temperature through evaporation.
High humidity prevents this moisture from evaporating efficiently from their airways. Furthermore, a sudden temperature spike in mid-July left the animals with insufficient time to acclimatise physiologically.
