Tokyo zoo lions: three die of suspected heatstroke

Three lionesses at Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo have died from suspected heatstroke, and several other lions are being treated after struggling with Japan's humid summer heat, a zoo spokeswoman said Tuesday.

The zoo said 10 of its 16 lions had shown symptoms such as loss of appetite and reduced activity since mid-July. One lioness died on Friday, another on Sunday and the third on Tuesday.

The spokeswoman said a veterinarian suspected heatstroke because dehydration and multiple organ failure were observed. She said the zoo was strengthening heat measures by sprinkling water, improving ventilation and installing spot air conditioners.

Japan recorded its hottest summer on record last year, and parts of the country have reached 40C in recent weeks. The fire and disaster management agency said nearly 18,600 people were taken to hospital for heatstroke between July 20 and 26, with 45 pronounced dead on arrival.

Scientists say human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in Japan and elsewhere.