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Investigation Reveals Cause of Death of Nine Monkeys at Hong Kong Zoo

Recently, a tragic incident occurred at a zoo in Hong Kong, where nine monkeys died over the span of two days. The initial discovery of eight dead monkeys was followed by the death of another the next day. Officials were quick to respond, launching an investigation at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens to determine the cause of this sudden and devastating loss.

After thorough examination, it was revealed that the monkeys had been infected with melioidosis, a bacterial disease that led to sepsis and ultimately claimed their lives. The source of the infection was traced back to recent digging work near their enclosure, which may have exposed the primates to contaminated soil and water.

Kevin Yeung, Secretary for culture, sports, and tourism, expressed sadness over the passing of the monkeys, emphasizing that there is no risk to humans from this disease. The deceased animals belonged to various species, including the critically endangered cotton-top tamarins.

The investigation also pointed to the possibility of infected monkeys coming into contact with others or park staff unknowingly introducing the bacteria into the cages. Despite the tragic outcome, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining animals at the zoo.

As the community mourns the loss of these precious creatures, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all inhabitants of our planet, both human and animal alike.

What caused the death of nine monkeys at a zoo in Hong Kong?

The tragic death of nine monkeys at a zoo in Hong Kong was attributed to a bacterial disease, specifically melioidosis, which led to sepsis in the animals. The outbreak occurred over two days, with eight monkeys found dead on Sunday, October 13, and another dying the following day. The possibility of recent digging work near their enclosure being a contributing factor was also highlighted during the investigation.

How did the authorities respond to the situation at the zoo?

Upon discovering the deaths of the monkeys, officials at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens took swift action by launching an investigation. They sealed off and disinfected areas of the zoo amid concerns of a potential zoonotic disease outbreak. Secretary for culture, sports, and tourism Kevin Yeung expressed sadness over the incident but reassured the public that there was no immediate danger to humans.

What species of monkeys were affected by the bacterial disease?

The nine monkeys that succumbed to melioidosis at the Hong Kong zoo belonged to various species, including a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis, and three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins. The loss of these animals, especially the endangered species, raised concerns about the conservation efforts at the zoo.

Was there a specific event or activity that may have led to the outbreak?

One possible cause identified by officials was the recent digging work near the monkey enclosure, which could have exposed the primates to the bacteria responsible for melioidosis. The repair work on irrigation pipes under a flower bed close to the enclosure was mentioned as a potential source of contamination that may have triggered the outbreak.

How did the authorities determine the source of the infection?

Through their investigation, officials concluded that the monkeys had contracted melioidosis, leading to sepsis and ultimately their demise. The incubation period for the disease in primates was estimated to be around a week, aligning with the timeline after the soil digging work was conducted near the enclosure. This finding underscored the importance of maintaining a safe environment for the animals in captivity.

What measures were taken to prevent further outbreaks at the zoo?

Following the tragic incident, the zoo authorities undertook additional precautions to prevent future outbreaks of infectious diseases among the animals. Disinfection of the affected areas, monitoring of the remaining animals for any signs of illness, and heightened biosecurity measures were implemented to safeguard the health and well-being of the primate population at the zoo.

How did the community react to the news of the monkey deaths?

The news of the nine monkeys’ deaths at the Hong Kong zoo sparked concern and sadness among the community, especially animal lovers and conservationists. The loss of these primates, including critically endangered species, served as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation efforts in urban environments.

What lessons can be learned from this unfortunate incident?

The tragic outbreak of melioidosis among the monkeys at the Hong Kong zoo serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of environmental stewardship and wildlife management. It highlights the need for robust biosecurity measures, regular health screenings for captive animals, and careful monitoring of construction activities near animal enclosures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Source:

• Sky News 2024: Officials uncover cause of death of nine monkeys who died in two days at Hong Kong zoo