The Oldest Zoo in Hong Kong Is Looking for Explanations Following the Deaths of 9 Monkeys

World

The oldest zoo in Hong Kong is looking for explanations following the deaths of 9 monkeys, including the critically endangered Tamarins.

Officials said a part of Hong Kong’s oldest zoo remained closed on Tuesday due to the deaths of nine monkeys, including three from a critically endangered species, for unknown reasons. According to the leader of the Chinese region, zoo authorities were looking into the reasons behind the deaths of the monkeys, including one De Brazza’s Monkey, one Common Squirrel Monkey, three Cotton-top Tamarins, and four White-faced Sakis.

Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) stated on Monday that necropsy and laboratory tests have been quickly organized to determine the reason for their death.

Cotton-top Tamarins, small monkeys that live in trees and are native to the tropical forests of South America, are seen as one of the most at-risk primate species globally.

Less than 6,000 animals remain in their natural habitat, as stated by the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute at the Smithsonian.

During a weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Hong Kong leader John Lee reported that eight monkeys, which included the tamarins, were discovered deceased at the zoo on Sunday, and the fourth saki passed away on Monday following abnormal behavior.

Lee stated that whenever there is any news or new development, an announcement should be made promptly for everyone to be informed about the facts.

The LCSD later stated that another De Brazza’s monkey was showing strange behavior and will be monitored, while the remaining 80 animals in the zoo seemed to be fine.

Metal barriers and plastic tape were used to segregate the mammal section of the zoo on Monday, as shown in TV news footage, with a closure notice attached to the gate.

The Mammals Section of (the zoo) will be shut down starting today for disinfection and cleaning due to awaiting test results, according to the LCSD on Monday.

The monkeys that died were part of a group of 93 animals living in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, a 14-acre sanctuary in the Mid-Levels area of the city that is home to reptiles and birds as well.

The gardens, previously the residence of British colonial governors, were converted and made accessible to the public in 1871, starting its animal collection shortly after.

Post Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash

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Tags: hong kong, monkey, zoo
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