Zoos in East Asia implement emergency protocols as record heat waves sweep region

NPR | By Anthony Kuhn

Published August 6, 2026 at 4:42 AM EDT

Extreme heat waves sweeping across East Asia have forced zoos in South Korea and Japan to implement emergency cooling measures.

Anthony Kuhn

Anthony Kuhn is NPR's correspondent based in Seoul, South Korea.

See stories by Anthony Kuhn

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.