Monkey Deaths at Hong Kong Zoo Prompt Investigation

Hong Kong authorities are investigating the deaths of nine monkeys at the city's zoo, which led to a partial closure to prevent further incidents.

Hong Kong is currently probing the mysterious deaths of nine monkeys over two days at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, prompting a temporary closure of part of the zoo. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department reported that eight monkeys had died by Sunday, with another death on Monday. This group included three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins. Toxicology tests and autopsies are in progress to determine the cause, said Hong Kong's leader, John Lee. Experts, like Siddharth Sridhar from the University of Hong Kong, consider an infection or toxic substance as potential causes. The zoo, established in 1871, monitoring all animals and sterilizing its mammals section. An interdepartmental meeting was held to address this issue. On Sunday, additional monkeys exhibited abnormal behavior, and one died the following day. The facility hosts 158 birds, 93 mammals, and 21 reptiles.