Tokyo, Japan – A brutally hot summer in Japan is being blamed for the deaths of three lions at the Tama Zoological Zoo in Tokyo. Three female lions have perished at the zoo since July 28, with the most recent death happening on August 2.
According to the zoo’s website, the deceased lions include three-year-old Mugi, 11-year-old Ichigo, and 15-year-old Luena. Another seven lions are displaying concerning symptoms believed to be heat-related. The impacted cats have exhibited “loss of appetite and decreased activity.” Necropsies on the big cats showed dehydration and multiple organ failure.
A zoo spokesperson said:
“Even though lions are thought to be resistant to heat, zookeepers 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.”
It has been hot enough in the region that the Japan Meteorological Agency introduced a new term, “kokushobi,” meaning a “brutally hot day,” for days reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher.
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