Even lions couldn't bear the heat — three lionesses die at zoo

At Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park, three lionesses died due to extreme heat. Of the 16 lions, ten needed help. The first to die was three-year-old Mugi (July 28), then Ichigo (July 31) and Luana (August 2). Autopsies showed dehydration and multiple organ failure. The enclosure has been closed since July 23. As of August 3, three lions remain in serious condition. Japan's heat reached 40 degrees, and 2025 saw the hottest season on record. From July 20 to 26, about 18,600 people were hospitalized.

At Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park, three lionesses died due to the extreme heat that has gripped Japan in the summer of 2026. According to the administration, since mid-July the animals began showing signs of deterioration: reduced activity, loss of appetite, lethargy. Of the 16 lions (five males and 11 females), ten required medical attention. The first to die was three-year-old Mugi, born at the zoo in September 2022; she died on July 28. The second was Ichigo, 11 years old, who died on July 31. The third was Luana, 15 years old, who died on August 2. Autopsies revealed dehydration and multiple organ failure. The enclosure was closed on July 23, and the safari bus is temporarily out of service. As of August 3, three lions remain in serious condition. The deaths occurred amid record heat: temperatures reached 40 degrees, and in 2025 Japan experienced its hottest season on record. From July 20 to 26, about 18,600 people were hospitalized with heatstroke.