Aquarium Animals Can Get Heatstroke Too! Sunshine Aquarium's 2026 Heatstroke Countermeasures

At Sunshine Aquarium (Ikebukuro, Tokyo), measures to prevent heatstroke for animals such as penguins, sea lions, and pelicans living in the outdoor 'Marine Garden' area are being reinforced in response to increasingly severe summer heat. With the recent increase in 'extreme heat days' exceeding 40°C, the aquarium is promoting initiatives to protect the safety of both animals and staff, based on animal welfare perspectives and the revised Occupational Safety and Health Regulations enacted in 2025. Like humans, aquarium animals are at risk of heatstroke, which can manifest as loss of appetite or dehydration. Cape penguins, for example, show signs such as the pink area above their eyes turning red. This year, the aquarium started countermeasures early, from early May, including installing sunshades, using fans, and cooling the animals with showers. Additionally, species-specific care is provided, such as offering ice and using air coolers for California sea lions, and adjusting water levels for Great white pelicans. Furthermore, thorough heatstroke prevention measures are being implemented for breeding staff, including mandatory breaks every 30 minutes, distribution of cooling gear, and improvements to the staff room environment.