Zoo issues heartbreaking update as lions suffer horror sudden death | World | News

Three lionesses at a Tokyo zoo have died from suspected heatstroke during a spell of record-breaking heat in Japan. Temperatures have reached 40C in parts of the country in recent weeks, with high humidity adding to the intense conditions. The three lionesses at Tama Zoological Park were aged three, 11 and 15, according to the Tokyo metropolitan government and Tokyo Zoological Park Society.

The zoo said one lioness died on Friday, another on Sunday and a third on Tuesday. Vets observed widespread dehydration and multiple organ failure. However, officials reportedly said the cause of death would not be formally confirmed until laboratory results had been returned. Ten of the 16 lions have also suffered a loss of appetite and reduced activity since mid-July.

Some of the lions were said to have become unable to stand as their conditions worsened. Staff used fans, cold-water sprays and medication in an effort to cool and treat them.

Visitors were barred from the lion enclosure from July 23 as staff continued treating the animals. One lioness and two males are understood to remain under veterinary care.

A zoo spokesperson said lions can usually cope with heat, but Japan’s high humidity makes conditions more difficult.

They added: “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.”

Staff have increased efforts to protect the animals by spraying water, improving ventilation and installing spot air-conditioning units.

Japan recorded five consecutive days of temperatures reaching at least 40C up to July 25, the longest run since comparable records began.

Around 18,600 people were taken to hospital with heatstroke between July 20 and 26, according to the country’s fire and disaster management agency. Forty-five were pronounced dead on arrival.

Authorities have also changed the timings of cultural and sporting events in recent years due to the heat.