Three lions die at Tama Zoological Park in Hino, in the greater Tokyo area, during Japan’s extreme summer heat. Multiple outlets report the deaths occur amid very high temperatures and humidity, after the lions develop symptoms such as loss of appetite, decreased activity, inability to stand and, in some cases, loss of consciousness. The zoo temporarily closes the lion enclosure in late July as animals’ conditions worsen. Caretakers use cooling measures including water sprays, industrial fans, intravenous fluids and medication, and the zoo says several other lions also receive medical attention. The BBC and other reports cite autopsies indicating the lions die from severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, with heat stress considered a likely contributing factor. The incidents involve lionesses including Mugi (3), Ichigo (11) and Luena (15), though some outlets describe the broader pattern of more lions becoming ill since mid-July. Post-mortem examinations are conducted to confirm the cause of death. Meteorological officials in Japan report prolonged periods with temperatures of around 40°C or higher and use a category of “cruelly hot days,” while authorities have issued heatstroke warnings.