Tokyo Zoo Lions Die of Heatstroke as Japan's Heat Wave Sets Records
Three lionesses died of suspected heatstroke within a week at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park, the first such deaths in the park's 62-year history, as Japan endured its longest streak of 40C+ days on record. CNN and The Independent report ten of the park's sixteen lions needed treat
Three lionesses, aged three, eleven and fifteen, died between July 28 and August 2 at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park in Hino, the first heat-related lion deaths since the park opened in 1964. Ten of the park's sixteen lions needed treatment as Japan recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher for five consecutive days, the longest such streak since comparable records began. The zoo closed its lion enclosure to the public on July 23 and treated the animals with fans, water sprays and IV fluids; three lions remain under treatment. Nationwide, more than 18,500 people were hospitalized for heat-related illness between July 20-26, with 45 deaths recorded in that week alone. Source: CNN, The Independent