Zoo Loses 3 of Its Lions in a 5-Day Span

Japan's brutal summer heat may have led to the deaths of some of its top predators. Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo on Monday said three female lions—Mugi, Ichigo, and Ruena, ages three, 11, and 15, respectively—died between July 28 and Aug. 2, and "we believe heat stress was a contributing factor." Initial necropsy results point to severe dehydration and multiple organ failure, but a precise cause of death is still under investigation.

The New York Times reports the zoo's 16 lions began experiencing lethargy and decreased appetite in mid-July, and that by July 22, 10 of them required treatment, including IV drips, vitamins, liver tonics, and cooling water sprays. Four ailing lions are improving, while three remain unable to stand. The BBC speaks with an expert who explains that lions don't sweat to cool down and instead rely on panting. But Tokyo's average 77% humidity in July, on top of 90-degree temps, likely prevented them from effectively using this method. The lion exhibit has been closed since July 23.