Nine monkeys, including three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, died mysteriously at Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Authorities are conducting autopsies and toxicology tests to find the cause. The zoo has closed its mammals section for disinfection as a precautionary measure.
Hong Kong Zoo Investigates Unexplained Monkey Deaths
Hong Kong Zoo Investigates Unexplained Monkey Deaths
Nine monkey deaths lead to zoo partial closure and ongoing investigation in Hong Kong.
The recent demise of nine monkeys at Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens over two days has led officials to initiate an investigation and close part of the zoo. The management reported that eight monkeys were found dead on Sunday, with an additional monkey dying on Monday. Notably, three of the deceased were cotton-top tamarins, a species facing critical endangerment, according to local authorities.
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, announced the implementation of toxicological tests and autopsies to uncover the cause of these deaths, emphasizing the need to prevent any potential spread of the issue. This unusual incident has sparked concerns among experts, with Siddharth Sridhar, a clinical assistant professor in microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, suggesting that the investigation will likely explore possible infections or toxic agents.
Established in 1871, the zoo is located in the city's Mid-Levels district and spans approximately 14 acres. Following the incident, the zoo commenced extensive monitoring of its animal population on Sunday and proceeded to close the mammals section for thorough cleaning and disinfection the following day. This situation prompted an immediate interdepartmental meeting by the government to determine further actions, as confirmed by the tourism bureau.
The bureau disclosed that park staff detected unusual behavior in two monkeys on Sunday. One of these monkeys died on Monday morning, while the other, a De Brazza’s monkey, remains under observation. Other casualties included four white-faced sakis, one De Brazza’s monkey, and one common squirrel monkey. The facility currently houses 93 mammals, alongside 158 birds and 21 reptiles.
The incident highlights the critical status of cotton-top tamarins, recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the root causes to ensure the safety of the zoo's remaining inhabitants.
Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, announced the implementation of toxicological tests and autopsies to uncover the cause of these deaths, emphasizing the need to prevent any potential spread of the issue. This unusual incident has sparked concerns among experts, with Siddharth Sridhar, a clinical assistant professor in microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, suggesting that the investigation will likely explore possible infections or toxic agents.
Established in 1871, the zoo is located in the city's Mid-Levels district and spans approximately 14 acres. Following the incident, the zoo commenced extensive monitoring of its animal population on Sunday and proceeded to close the mammals section for thorough cleaning and disinfection the following day. This situation prompted an immediate interdepartmental meeting by the government to determine further actions, as confirmed by the tourism bureau.
The bureau disclosed that park staff detected unusual behavior in two monkeys on Sunday. One of these monkeys died on Monday morning, while the other, a De Brazza’s monkey, remains under observation. Other casualties included four white-faced sakis, one De Brazza’s monkey, and one common squirrel monkey. The facility currently houses 93 mammals, alongside 158 birds and 21 reptiles.
The incident highlights the critical status of cotton-top tamarins, recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the root causes to ensure the safety of the zoo's remaining inhabitants.
