Another Common Squirrel Monkey dies at HK Zoological and Botanical Gardens

One more monkey at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) that was placed under isolated surveillance was found dead on Sunday, bringing the total death toll to 11.

According to the government announcement in the evening, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will conduct a necropsy on the dead Common Squirrel Monkey to ascertain if the cause of death was the same as the other cases earlier.

There is still one De Brazza's Monkey being put under isolated surveillance since October 13 and given medication. 

A total of 11 animals of the HKZBG have passed away since October 13, including one De Brazza’s monkey, three Common Squirrel Monkey, four White-faced Sakis and three Cotton-top Tamarins.

It is believed that melioidosis bacterial infection could be the cause behind the death of the monkeys.

The government will continue to close the Mammals Section of the HKZBG, to closely monitor the health conditions of the animals, and continue to provide protective gear and health monitoring for staff who take care of animals.