The Facts
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.
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.
The Spin
Narrative A
The sudden deaths of these monkeys raise serious concerns about the risk of zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Monkeys in captivity are often exposed to pathogens that can be transmitted to humans, including tuberculosis, Chagas disease, cholera, and MRSA. It's time to end animal captivity and transition this facility into a botanical garden only.
Narrative B
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 shouldn't overshadow the important conservation and educational work carried out by the zoo.
