Three lions die of heatstroke at Tokyo zoo

Tokyo's Tama Zoo has reported the tragic deaths of three lions this week, believed to be caused by heatstroke, as Japan experiences a blistering heatwave. The zoo suspended the lion exhibit after several lions became ill, displaying symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, and decreased activity. Some lions even lost the ability to stand or became unconscious before succumbing to their condition.

Currently, 10 out of the zoo's 16 lions are reported to be unwell. While lions are adapted to the dry heat of Africa, the humid climate of Japan poses an additional challenge. Temperatures in Japan have soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in recent weeks, prompting the government to label such days as "cruelly hot." As of late July, nearly 18,600 people were treated for heatstroke in Japanese hospitals, with 45 fatalities before medical intervention.

This summer has witnessed a surge in extreme weather events globally, a trend expected to intensify due to climate change. In neighboring South Korea, a severe heatwave has also gripped the region, with President Lee Jae Myung calling for enhanced government support following 16 heat-related deaths.