Hong Kong’s oldest park seals off section after the death of nine monkeys in two days.
In Hong Kong’s oldest park, parts have been sealed off and disinfected after nine monkeys died there in two days, including three of a critically endangered species, Hong Kong leader John Lee said during his weekly press briefing on Tuesday.
A zoo in Hong Kong has launched an investigation into the death of nine monkeys, including three members of a critically endangered species, in two days.
Critics of animal captivity said the incident should raise fears that holding animals captive raises the risk that diseases such as pox may jump to humans.
Eight monkeys were found dead on Sunday, and another died on Monday with unusual behavior.
Experts will carry out necropsies and toxicological tests.
Lee said that whenever there is news or a new development, an announcement should be made as soon as possible so that everyone can know the facts.
The dead animals included a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, and four white-faced sakis.
Three cotton-top tamarins- a species listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The government convened an emergency interdepartmental meeting about the deaths on Monday.
A statement explained that the behavior and appetite of another De Brazza’s monkey were not normal and warranted closer observation.
