Three female lions have died at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo, Japan. The deaths happened during a severe heat wave that hit the country. Temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius for five days in a row. Japan's weather agency created a new term for such days. They are now called "cruelly hot days."
The three lions that died were named Mugi, Ichigo, and Luena. They were aged three, eleven, and fifteen years old. Autopsies showed signs of dehydration and multiple organ failure. Veterinarians suspect that heatstroke was the cause of death. In total, ten of the zoo's sixteen lions became ill.
Experts say Japan's humid climate makes heat especially dangerous for lions. Unlike dry African heat, humidity prevents lions from cooling down properly. Lions breathe deeply to release moisture and lower their body temperature. However, this method does not work well in humid conditions. The sudden rise in temperature also gave the animals no time to adapt.
The zoo has been strengthening its measures to protect the animals. Staff are now using water sprays, better ventilation, and portable air conditioners. Four lions are recovering, but three others remain seriously unwell. This tragic event has started wider conversations about zoo animal welfare. If climate change continues at this rate, zoos would need to rethink their approach.
