Heatstroke suspected in three Tokyo zoo lion deaths

Three female lions died at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo between July 28 and Aug 2, with heatstroke believed to be the cause, The Straits Times reported.

Autopsies showed all three lions, aged three to 15, had dehydration and multiple organ failure. Their illnesses followed a prolonged period of extreme heat beginning in mid-July.

As of July, the park had 16 lions: five males and 11 females aged one to 20, the report said. Ten lions developed symptoms including loss of appetite and reduced activity and required medical treatment.

The park suspended public viewing of the animals on July 23. One female lion and two male lions remained in poor health and were undergoing treatment.

The park began breeding and exhibiting lions in 1964. “There has never been a case in which lions died due to heat at Tama Zoological Park,” an official with the Tokyo metropolitan government said.