In Japan, officials at the Tama Zoological Park outside Tokyo reported that three lions have died in less than a week from suspected heat-related causes, reports BritPanorama.
According to officials, 10 of the zoo’s 16 lions began showing signs of distress starting in mid-July, including decreased activity and loss of appetite, with some animals losing consciousness or the ability to stand.
Despite interventions aimed at cooling their body temperatures, three female lions aged between 3 and 15 died within the span of a week, the latest on Sunday. Preliminary investigations indicated that dehydration and multiple organ failure were present in all three cases.
While four of the zoo’s lions are reportedly recovering, three others remain ailing. Officials emphasized that the animals’ health is their top priority and have temporarily suspended these lions from public display.
In a bid to raise awareness of the dangers posed by extreme heat, the Japan Meteorological Agency has introduced a new term, kokushobi — meaning “cruelly hot day” — to refer to days where temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 F). This initiative followed a public poll that garnered over 200,000 votes. The first kokushobi were documented last month over five consecutive days.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Japan reached 41.8 degrees Celsius (107.2 F) in Isesaki last August, accentuating ongoing concerns about climate impact on health and wildlife.
