HONG KONG (AP) — The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest zoo in the city, is investigating a troubling medical incident after the sudden deaths of nine monkeys within a two-day span. Among the deceased are three members of the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin species.
On Sunday, reports emerged of eight monkeys being found dead, followed by the death of another on Monday, all displaying unusual behavior prior to their passing. The victims included a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis, and three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In response to this alarming situation, sections of the zoo have been cordoned off and disinfected to prevent any potential spread of illness. Experts have been enlisted to perform necropsies and toxicology tests to uncover the cause of these unfortunate deaths. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Hong Kong leader John Lee emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “Whenever we have any news, if there’s a new development, an announcement should be made as soon as possible, so that everyone can know about the facts.”
On Monday, Kevin Yeung, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, convened an emergency meeting involving various departments, including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and the Department of Health. During this discussion, it was noted that another De Brazza’s monkey was exhibiting concerning changes in behavior and appetite, warranting close monitoring.
Despite the concerning incidents, officials reported that the remaining 80 animals in the gardens appeared to be in stable health. The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which opened to the public in 1871, stands as a unique urban retreat in the bustling Central district, an area that has seen many changes since the territory’s handover to China in 1997.
