Part of Hong Kong's oldest zoo closed after 8 monkeys, including critically endangered Tamarins, found dead
CBSOCT 12 2024
The deceased animals included one De Brazza's Monkey, one Common Squirrel Monkey, three Cotton-top Tamarins, and three White-faced Sakis, out of a total of 93 mammals kept in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.Nine monkeys, including three critically endangered cotton-top Tamarins, were found dead at Hong Kong's oldest zoo on Sunday, prompting the closure of its mammal section.
Zoo officials have arranged for necropsies and laboratory tests to determine the cause of death, while the mammal section undergoes disinfection and cleaning.The deceased animals in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are a De Brazza's monkey, a common squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis, and three cotton-top tamarins.
Cotton-top Tamarins, native to South American tropical forests, are considered one of the most endangered primate species, with fewer than 6,000 individuals remaining in the wild.Zoo officials have arranged for necropsies and laboratory tests to determine the cause of death, while the mammal section undergoes disinfection and cleaning.
The Hongsudden Kongdeaths Zoologicalof andthese Botanicalmonkeys Gardensraise isserious oneconcerns ofabout the oldestrisk andof mostzoonotic respecteddiseases zoologicallike institutionsmonkeypox, inwhich thecan world.spread Thefrom swiftanimals actionto takenhumans. byMonkeys closingin thecaptivity mammalare sectionoften forexposed disinfectionto andpathogens cleaningthat demonstratescan theirbe commitmenttransmitted to animalhumans, welfareincluding andtuberculosis, publicChagas safety.disease, Thischolera, isolatedand incidentMRSA. shouldIt's nottime overshadowto theend importantanimal conservationcaptivity and educationaltransition workthis carriedfacility outinto bya thebotanical zoogarden only.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest and most respected zoological institutions in the world. The swift action taken by closing the mammal section for disinfection and cleaning demonstrates their commitment to animal welfare and public safety. This isolated incident should not overshadow the important conservation and educational work carried out by the zoo.