TOKYO, Aug 4 (Bernama-dpa) — Three lions have died at the largest zoo in the Tokyo metropolitan area following a severe heatwave, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.
The Tama Zoo said on Tuesday that the deaths occurred last week.
The zoo had already closed its lion enclosure on July 23 after several of its 12 lions showed signs of health problems.
The animals initially suffered mainly from loss of appetite, lethargy, and reduced activity. The condition of some then deteriorated significantly.
“Some became seriously ill and were among other things no longer able to stand up or lost consciousness,” the zoo said in a statement. It said it suspected a connection with the heatwave that has gripped the region since mid-July.
The lion enclosure will remain closed until further notice.
Temperatures in parts of Japan have repeatedly reached up to 40 degrees Celsius in recent weeks.
According to Japanese media, however, the problem for the lions is not only the high temperature but also the associated high humidity. In their natural habitat in Africa, the animals are accustomed primarily to dry heat.
— BERNAMA-dpa