HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s oldest zoo is searching for solutions in a monkey medical thriller after 9 animals died in two days, together with three members of a critically endangered species.
A part of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens has been sealed off and disinfected, and consultants have been known as in to conduct necropsies and toxicological checks, Hong Kong chief John Lee mentioned in his weekly press briefing Tuesday.
Eight monkeys have been discovered lifeless on Sunday, and one other died Monday after uncommon habits.
The deceased animals included a De Brazza’s monkey, a standard squirrel monkey, 4 white-faced sakis and three cotton-top tamarins — a species listed as critically endangered by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature.
“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,” Lee mentioned.
On Monday, the Secretary for Tradition, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung held an pressing interdepartmental assembly concerning the deaths with Leisure and Cultural Providers Division, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Division and the Division of Health.
It mentioned in an announcement that one other De Brazza’s monkey’s habits and urge for food have been discovered to be uncommon, requiring additional commentary.
However all 80 different animals within the gardens have been in regular situation, it added.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens — the oldest park within the former British colony — totally opened to the general public in 1871. It’s a uncommon city oasis within the downtown Central district of the monetary hub which returned to Chinese language rule in 1997.
