Tokyo, Aug 4 (EFE).- The deaths of three female lions at a Japanese zoo, suspected to be from heatstroke amid record-breaking temperatures, have drawn criticism from animal rights organizations.
Despite treatment indoors, lions Mugi, 3, Ichigo, 11, and Ruena, 15, who were all born at Tama Zoological Park, outside Tokyo, all died within the same week over July 28-Aug. 2, the facility said on Monday.
«This tragedy is a stark reminder that zoos can never provide wild animals with the control and freedom they need to protect themselves,» Jason Baker, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, said in a statement sent to EFE.
A zoo spokesperson confirmed to EFE on Tuesday that the cause of death of the three lions is still under investigation.
On Monday, the zoo said in its statement that three of its lions had died after showing symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue for several days. Two lions began showing symptoms on July 18, and by July 22, the number of animals requiring treatment had reached 10.
“While some individuals recovered with initial treatment, others have become severely ill, experiencing complete loss of appetite, inability to stand, and loss of consciousness,” the zoo said. “Treatment continued with cooling the bodies with water sprays and fans, as well as intravenous fluid and medication administration.”
The zoo said the lions’ cause of death will not be determined until after the test results are available, “but pathological autopsy findings have shown generalized dehydration and multiple organ failure in all three lions, suggesting that heat stress was a contributing factor.”
Japan experienced a severe heat wave in mid-July, which over July 13-26 killed at least 59 people, and resulted in the hospitalization of thousands. Several cities reached temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tama zoo said that of the 10 affected lions, three are still unwell and unable to stand, while four have recovered or are showing signs of recovery. Additionally, six other lions residing at the zoo never showed any signs of illness.
The animals are «recuperating in a private lion enclosure equipped with spot coolers and additional industrial fans, and their exhibition will be suspended,» the institution explained. EFE
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