Hong Kong’s oldest zoo searches for answers after 9 monkeys die, including endangered tamarin

Hong Kong A section of Hong Kong’s oldest zoo remained closed on Tuesday after nine monkeys, including three endangered species, died for reasons that remain a mystery, officials said. Zoo officials are investigating the cause of the deaths of the monkeys, which included a de Brazza monkey, a common squirrel monkey, three cotton-headed marmosets and four white-faced Sakis monkeys, according to the Chinese district leader.

“An autopsy and laboratory tests were immediately arranged to help determine the cause of death,” Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said in a statement on Monday.

The cotton-crested tamarin — a species of small tree-dwelling monkey that lives in the tropical forests of South America — is a One of the most endangered species Of the world’s primates.

There are fewer than 6,000 individuals left in the wild, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Eight of the monkeys, including two tamarins, were found dead on Sunday at the zoo, while a fourth monkey died on Monday after displaying unusual behaviour, according to Hong Kong leader John Lee, who spoke at a weekly news conference on Tuesday.

“When we have any news, if there is a new development, it should be announced as soon as possible, so everyone can know the facts,” Lee said, according to the Associated Press.

The LCSD said in a later statement that another of De Braza’s orangutans showed apparently unusual behavior and would remain under observation, but all 80 other animals at the zoos appeared to be in normal condition.

Television news video showed metal barricades and plastic bands being placed to cordon off the zoo’s mammal section on Monday, with a closure notice posted on the gate.

“Pending test results, the (zoo’s) mammal division will be closed effective today for disinfection and cleaning work,” LCSD said Monday.

The deceased monkeys were among 93 mammals kept at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, a 14-acre oasis in the city’s prestigious mid-tier urban core that also houses reptiles and birds.

The gardens were converted from the former official palace of the British colonial rulers and opened to the public in 1871, and their zoological collection began soon after.