Three lionesses at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo died over the past week after suffering heatstroke during a 40-degree heatwave, the Daily Mail reported.
Japan has faced abnormal heat since mid-July, causing 10 of the zoo's 16 lions to display symptoms of hyperthermia. Zoo employees attempted all available methods to cool the wild cats, including installing powerful industrial fans inside their enclosures and spraying the animals with water.
Extreme Heat and Humidity
Despite those cooling efforts, three lionesses died from heatstroke amid the 40-degree temperatures. A zoo spokesperson stated that although lions are generally resistant to high temperatures, recent heatwaves in Japan have brought high humidity, which African animals tolerate very poorly.
Three other lions are currently in serious condition because of hyperthermia. Caretakers are administering supportive medications and fluids intravenously to treat the animals.
Earlier, animal rights activists in India intervened to protect rare Asian lions as authorities in Gujarat state began capturing them en masse following a series of attacks on humans.
