In a distressing turn of events, Hong Kong's Zoological and Botanical Gardens lost nine monkeys within two days, leading to a partial shutdown for investigations.
Hong Kong Zoo Probes Mysterious Monkey Deaths
Hong Kong Zoo Probes Mysterious Monkey Deaths
Nine monkeys died at Hong Kong's zoo, prompting an investigation and partial closure.
Over two days, nine monkeys died at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, stirring a major investigation by officials. Eight monkeys were discovered dead on Sunday, with a ninth succumbing on Monday, according to the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Notably, three of the deceased belonged to a critically endangered species. John Lee, the city's leader, announced that toxicology and autopsy procedures are underway to identify the cause.
"This is an unusual cluster of deaths," remarked Siddharth Sridhar, microbiology professor at the University of Hong Kong, speculating on potential infectious or toxic factors. The zoo, launched in 1871 and located in the city's affluent Mid-Levels district, began monitoring its animals closely on Sunday. They closed the mammals section for a thorough cleaning on Monday.
An emergency interdepartmental meeting was held to address the issue, per the tourism bureau. On Sunday, staff detected abnormal behaviors in two additional monkeys, leading to their removal for observation. One succumbed on Monday morning, while the other, a De Brazza’s monkey, remains under observation. The deceased group included three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, four white-faced sakis, one De Brazza’s monkey, and one common squirrel monkey. The facility houses 158 birds, 93 mammals, and 21 reptiles.
"This is an unusual cluster of deaths," remarked Siddharth Sridhar, microbiology professor at the University of Hong Kong, speculating on potential infectious or toxic factors. The zoo, launched in 1871 and located in the city's affluent Mid-Levels district, began monitoring its animals closely on Sunday. They closed the mammals section for a thorough cleaning on Monday.
An emergency interdepartmental meeting was held to address the issue, per the tourism bureau. On Sunday, staff detected abnormal behaviors in two additional monkeys, leading to their removal for observation. One succumbed on Monday morning, while the other, a De Brazza’s monkey, remains under observation. The deceased group included three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, four white-faced sakis, one De Brazza’s monkey, and one common squirrel monkey. The facility houses 158 birds, 93 mammals, and 21 reptiles.
