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 during this period. Whether the heat was the direct cause of death in every individual case has not yet been conclusively confirmed. Detailed veterinary findings were initially not released.

Tama Zoo had stepped up its protective measures even before the deaths were announced. Closing the lion area was intended to spare the animals additional strain and make their care easier for keepers. The lion bus, which normally takes visitors through the extensive enclosure, is also affected. Tickets purchased online will be refunded, according to the zoo.

At the end of July, the park said that animals could be moved to indoor areas during high temperatures or could move between indoor and outdoor facilities themselves. As a result, some species might only be visible to visitors to a limited extent at times. For the lions, the zoo suspended public viewing entirely. Operations will only resume after a further assessment of the animals’ health.

Luena had been part of the park’s animal population for many years. According to earlier information from the Tokyo Zoological Park Society, she was born at Tama Zoo on 23 October 2010 and gave birth herself in 2015. No further public information was initially available about the age, medical history or treatment of Mugi and Fraise.

The deaths occurred during a pronounced heatwave in Japan. High temperatures can affect zoo animals differently depending on their species, age and health condition. Zoological institutions must ensure cooling, opportunities for retreat and veterinary monitoring, while also avoiding additional stress caused by visitor operations and outdoor display.

Other activities and animal viewing opportunities at Tama Zoo have also been restricted due to the weather. Veterinary care and restrictions on visitor operations remain in place for the remaining lions. According to the park, the lion enclosure will remain closed until further notice.