Three lions at a Tokyo zoo died within a week from suspected heat stress, as extreme temperatures grip Japan and East Asia. The deaths at Tama Zoological Park in Hino city highlight the brutal toll of a 'Super El Niño' weather event that is pushing global temperatures to dangerous new highs.
The zoo closed its lion exhibit in late July after several big cats showed health problems including loss of appetite and fatigue, according to a news release. Despite efforts to cool them with water sprays, industrial fans, intravenous fluids, and medication, three females died: three-year-old Mugi on July 28, 11-year-old Ichigo three days later, and 15-year-old Luena on Sunday.
Autopsies will determine the official cause of death, but all three showed signs of dehydration and multiple organ failure, suggesting heat stress was a factor. Four remaining lions are recovering, but three others are still unwell and undergoing treatment.
What Is Driving This Extreme Heat?
Japan has endured a punishing stretch of heat. Temperatures reached at least 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days in some areas in late July, the country's longest such streak on record. Heatstroke alerts have repeatedly covered large portions of the country, and the weather agency introduced a new designation this summer for days reaching 40 degrees Celsius, roughly translating to 'cruelly hot day'.
One hard-hit location is Kumamoto Prefecture, which was rocked by a deadly earthquake last week and experienced its highest temperature on record on Monday. The heat poses an additional danger to residents still shaken by the quake, many sleeping in their cars after their homes were damaged or destroyed. A woman in her 70s died in her car of suspected heat stroke, officials said Monday, according to public broadcaster NHK. More than 8,500 people remain in emergency shelters, and 45,000 households have no water, making it harder to escape the heat.
Although temperatures will fluctuate in the coming days, there is no widespread or lasting break from the heat in sight, with highs well into the 30s Celsius expected across much of Japan.
How Is the Heat Affecting Wildlife Across Asia?
The heat has claimed the lives of lions elsewhere in Asia this year. Eight Asiatic lion cubs at a sanctuary in India's Gujarat state died from extreme heat, not from an infection as previously suspected, officials said in June, according to CNN affiliate CNN News-18.
What About South Korea?
South Korea is in the grip of a historic and deadly heat wave. Yangsan, in the country's southeast, reached 42.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest temperature recorded nationally in 122 years of observations. The country's weather agency issued its highest-level heat warning for parts of Seoul and neighboring Gyeonggi Province for the first time Monday since the new alert system was introduced in June, while the same level of warning remained in effect across parts of the south. Sundown brings little relief; authorities expect stifling 'tropical nights' to stay above 25 degrees Celsius through much of the week.
The heat has also caused mass losses of livestock since late May, with more than 493,000 animals having died, including pigs, poultry, and fish, according to South Korean authorities. More than 2,000 people have suffered heat-related illnesses during that time, with 16 deaths so far.
Is This Connected to a Larger Climate Pattern?
This comes as a 'Super El Niño' continues to build in the tropical Pacific Ocean, a periodic weather cycle that's expected to be one of the strongest on record, with potentially dire implications for extreme weather events worldwide. It's expected to strengthen rapidly in the coming months, increasing the likelihood of 'above-normal temperatures across much of the world,' the World Meteorological Organization warned last week.
Forecasters also expect rising ocean temperatures, with huge amounts of heat traveling from the water to the atmosphere. It could cause flooding in some regions and drought in others, along with heat waves and other damaging impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the lions die at the Tokyo zoo?
Three lions at Tama Zoological Park died from suspected heat stress during a record-breaking heat wave. Autopsies will confirm the official cause, but they showed signs of dehydration and multiple organ failure.
How hot did it get in Japan during this heat wave?
Japan experienced at least 40 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days in late July, the longest such streak on record. The country introduced a new term for days reaching 40 degrees Celsius, translating to 'cruelly hot day'.
What is a 'Super El Niño' and why does it matter?
A 'Super El Niño' is a strong periodic weather cycle in the tropical Pacific Ocean that can raise global temperatures and increase extreme weather events like heat waves, floods, and droughts. This one is expected to be one of the strongest on record.
How is South Korea affected by this heat wave?
South Korea recorded its highest temperature in 122 years, 42.5 degrees Celsius in Yangsan. More than 493,000 livestock have died, and over 2,000 people have suffered heat-related illnesses, with 16 deaths so far.