Three lionesses die during heatwave at Tama Zoo near Tokyo

Hino - 04 August 2026: The three lionesses Mugi, Fraise and Luena died during an exceptionally hot spell at Tama Zoological Park in Hino, west of Tokyo. The zoo had already closed its lion enclosure and the popular lion bus indefinitely on 23 July. The facility cited health problems affecting several animals following the sudden sharp rise in temperatures.The deaths were announced on Monday, 3 August. According to Japanese media reports, ten of the park's total 18 lions have required veterinary treatment for health complaints since July. Three lionesses died ...