Kathmandu— On Tuesday, Tama Zoo in Tokyo announced that three lions have died over the past week due to suspected complications from heatstroke. The zoo has suspended its entire lion exhibit amid rising temperatures and health concerns for the remaining animals. Ten of the zoo's sixteen lions are currently unwell, exhibiting symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and decreased activity.

Heatwave Challenges Lion Health

The extreme heat in Japan has posed significant challenges to the health of the lions at Tama Zoo. Despite their evolutionary adaptation to dry African climates, Japanese humidity presents additional difficulties for these animals. The zoo stated that some lions became severely ill, exhibiting symptoms such as inability to stand and loss of consciousness before passing away.

Japan has experienced temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in recent weeks, prompting the government to adopt the term 'cruelly hot day' for policy-making purposes.

Human Health Impacts

The heatwave's impact extends beyond wildlife. Nearly 18,600 people were treated for heatstroke in Japanese hospitals during late July, with national health officials confirming that 45 of the victims had already died before receiving treatment.

This summer has seen a series of extreme weather events globally, which are becoming more frequent as climate change worsens. Nearby South Korea is also experiencing severe heatwaves, leading President Lee Jae Myung to urge authorities to step up support for the population.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.