Information on Lion situation (updated 8/10)

Added on August 10, 2026

Treatment for the three Lion in Lion enclosure is still ongoing. All of them have shown improvement compared to before. The current status of each lion is as follows:

Niina (female, 11 years old), Malt (male, 8 years old)

It remains lying on its side, but its consciousness has returned, and it responds to being called. It has also started to eat when food is brought to its mouth.

We are continuing to administer 24-hour intravenous fluids to improve dehydration, administer medication embedded in food, perform blood tests under anesthesia every 2-3 days, and treat pressure ulcers (bedsores). In addition, we have placed mats on the bedroom floor to prevent pressure ulcers.

Lyas (male, 1 year old)

Although it had remained bedridden for some time, it has been showing signs of improvement, and on August 9th it was able to walk short distances. It is eating the same amount of food and drinking the same amount of water as before it was ill.

Since its condition has stabilized, we are currently continuing the treatment of embedding medication in its food.

The other 10

There are no abnormalities in feeding or behavior, and Lion is staying in its enclosure.

Announced on August 3, 2026

At Tama Zoo, Lion exhibit was suspended from July 23rd due to the emergence of several lions requiring treatment for poor health, primarily characterized by loss of appetite, fatigue, and decreased activity, starting in mid-July 2026. Some lions became severely ill, exhibiting symptoms such as inability to stand and loss of consciousness, and a total of three lions died on July 28th, 31st, and August 2nd (one each day). Treatment and care for Lion are still ongoing.

Lion exhibit and Lion Bus service will be suspended for the time being to prioritize the health management of Lion. We will consider when to resume these activities and will announce the details on Tama Zoo official website.

Current status of Lion care as of August 3rd

On July 18, two of the 16 Lion (5 males and 11 females as of July 18, 2026) being kept in Lion enclosure showed symptoms such as loss of appetite and decreased activity, and treatment was initiated. Subsequently, several other individuals showed similar abnormalities, and by July 22, the number of individuals requiring treatment had reached 10 (2 males and 8 females). While some individuals recovered with initial treatment, others have become severely ill, experiencing complete loss of appetite, inability to stand, and loss of consciousness. Treatment continues with measures such as cooling the body with water sprays and fans, and administering fluids and medications intravenously.

Regarding the three animals that died (circumstances)

On July 19th, Mugi showed signs of abnormality such as loss of appetite and decreased activity, so on July 20th, she was kept indoors all day and treatment was started. Suspecting that her health was due to the sudden heatwave since mid-July, the exhibition of all Lion was suspended from the 23rd, and ventilation and watering were continued to help cool her body temperature, and fluids were administered while her condition was carefully monitored, but Mugi died on July 28th. Treatment for Lion that were unwell continued thereafter, but Ichigo died on the 31st, and Ruena died on August 2nd.

Dead Lion

Future actions

Currently, three Lion are still unwell and unable to stand, so we are continuing to administer fluids, liver support medication, vitamins, and treat their pressure sores. For the time being, we will prioritize the health management of the four lions that have recovered or are showing signs of recovery, as well as the six lions that have been in good health from the beginning. They will be recuperating in a private Lion enclosure equipped with spot coolers and additional industrial fans, and their exhibition will be suspended. The 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. We are taking measures to prevent recurrence, such as strengthening heat countermeasures in Lion enclosure and Lion zoo's free-range area.