Authorities in Hong Kong are closely monitoring a monkey that is behaving unusually after the ninth death of a monkey this week at the Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The mammals section of the zoo has been closed for disinfection and cleaning while tests are conducted to determine the cause of the deaths. The government is expediting autopsy and toxicological testing to find out what killed the monkeys.
The most recent death was a white-faced saki, following the deaths of a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, three cotton-top tamarins, and three more white-faced sakis. Another De Brazza’s monkey is also being closely monitored as it has been displaying unusual movement response and appetite. The park, established in 1860, is home to 158 birds, 80 mammals, and 21 reptiles in approximately 40 enclosures.
While the health of all the other animals in the park is reported to be normal, concerns have been raised by animal welfare groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They are worried about the risks of outbreaks of diseases like monkeypox that can potentially be transmitted from animals to humans. Government officials are taking the situation seriously, holding an urgent meeting to address the issue. The cause of the monkey deaths is still unknown, but efforts are being made to keep the other animals safe and healthy.
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