Three lions die from suspected heatstroke at Tokyo zoo amid Japan's scorching summer

Three lionesses at Tokyo's Tama Zoological Park died from suspected heatstroke between July 29 and August 2.

Ten of the 16 lions at the zoo have shown symptoms since mid-July, with several still under treatment.

The zoo cited high humidity, unlike arid heat in Africa, and noted heat arrived suddenly after the rainy season.

Zoo keepers are enhancing measures: sprinkling water, improving ventilation, and installing spot air conditioners.

Japan suffered nearly 18,600 heatstroke hospitalizations from July 20-26, with 45 deaths on arrival.