October 17 2024
By Changwon Choi
Hong Kong’s oldest zoo, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, is facing a tragic and puzzling situation after nine monkeys died within two days. The deceased animals include three critically endangered Cotton-top Tamarins, a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, and four white-faced sakis.
The zoo has sealed off and disinfected part of its premises, and experts are conducting necropsies and toxicological tests to determine the cause of death. Eight monkeys were found dead on Sunday, with another dying on Monday after showing unusual behavior.
The Cotton-top Tamarins, native to the tropical forests of South America, are among the most endangered primates in the world, with fewer than 6,000 individuals remaining in the wild. The zoo’s mammal section has been closed for disinfection and cleaning while awaiting test results.