Three Zoo Lions Die in Japan's Extreme Heat as Heatwave Sends Thousands to Hospitals

Three lionesses, aged 3 to 15, died of suspected heatstroke — overheating that damages the body — at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park between July 31 and August 4, 2026. A veterinarian blamed dehydration and organ failure. Since mid-July, 10 of the park's 16 lions fell ill; several are still being treated. Japan's heatwave sent 18,600 people to hospitals in one week, with 45 dead on arrival.