Three lions die at Tokyo’s Tama Zoo amid Japan heatwave

Japan's relentless summer heat is now taking a toll on wildlife. Three lions at a Tokyo zoo have died within days of each other after falling ill during an intense heatwave, highlighting the growing impact of rising temperatures on animals as much as humans.Three lions die within a weekThe deaths occurred at Tama Zoological Park in Hino, located in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. According to a statement released by the zoo, the lion enclosure was temporarily closed in late July after several big cats began displaying worrying symptoms, including unusual tiredness and a loss of appetite.The illnesses emerged during exceptionally high temperatures that have gripped Japan and several parts of East Asia.In an effort to help the lions cope with the heat, caretakers arranged several cooling measures. Water sprays, industrial fans, intravenous fluids, and medication were used to stabilise the affected animals.Three lions have died from multiple organ failure in a Tokyo zoo as extreme heat engulfs Japan.The press release described their “inability to stand and loss of consciousness” in all three despite industrial fans, intravenous fluids and spraying them with water.Other lions at… pic.twitter.com/4vtyq7xvaI— Dr Tom Montgomery (@DrTOMontgomery) August 4, 2026 Despite those efforts, Mugi, a three-year-old lioness, died on July 28. She was followed by Ichigo, aged 11, three days later, while Luena, a 15-year-old lioness, died on Sunday.Veterinarians are conducting post-mortem examinations to confirm the exact cause of death. However, the zoo said all three lions showed signs of severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, indicating that heat stress was likely a major contributing factor.The zoo reported that 10 lions required medical attention during the heatwave. While four lions are now recovering, three others remain unwell and continue to receive treatment under close veterinary supervision.North Korea Urges Citizens To Eat Dog Meat To Beat Summer Heat, Says It's 'Highly Nutritious'Japan faces historic heatwaveThe incident comes as Japan experiences one of its harshest summers in recent years. According to the country's meteorological agency, some regions recorded temperatures of 40°C or higher for five consecutive days in late July, the longest such stretch ever documented.Extreme Heat Is Killing Camels As Desert Temperatures Reach Dangerous HighsAuthorities have repeatedly issued heatstroke warnings across large parts of the country. The weather agency has even introduced a new classification for days when temperatures hit 40°C, describing them as "cruelly hot days" to reflect the severity of the conditions.Scientists have also linked the soaring temperatures to the ongoing Super El Niño event, which has contributed to rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme heat episodes.

A record-breaking heatwave stretching across East Asia is straining animals, health systems and people.

The female lions died within five days of each other despite zookeepers’ efforts to shelter them from Japan’s blistering summer temperatures.

A record breaking heatwave in Japan has seen temperatures reaching 40C or above

Temperatures in the area rose to nearly 39C in mid- to late July, triggering heatstroke warnings.