Three Lions At Tokyo Zoo Die Amid Extreme Heat

(NHK); A zoo in Tokyo says three lions have died. Veterinarians suspect they had heatstroke.

In mid-July, 10 out of the 16 lions at Tama Zoological Park fell ill, with some unable to stand and others losing their appetites.

Although staff tried to treat the animals by cooling their bodies and administering medication, a three-year-old female died on July 28. She was followed by an 11-year-old female on July 31 and a 15-year-old female on August 2.

The zoo said the cause of death will not be determined until after the test results are available, but pathological autopsy findings have shown generalized dehydration and multiple organ failure in all three lions.

Three other lions remain under treatment.

The zoo said it takes the deaths seriously, and that it will continue treating the remaining lions showing symptoms and manage their health.

It says it has yet to decide when to resume the lion exhibit.