Preventive measures at HK Zoological and Botanical Gardens sufficient, says Kevin Yeung

The tourism chief has expressed confidence that the existing preventive measures at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) are adequate following the recent occurrence of ten monkey fatalities within a week.  

Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated on Sunday that the rest of the 70 animals in the park were without abnormalities, except for the previously isolated monkeys.  

As for one more Common Squirrel Monkey that was put under isolated surveillance was found dead yesterday (Oct 19), Yeung said the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department would conduct a necropsy to ascertain if the cause of death was the same as the other cases earlier.  

He noted that the authorities have communicated with relevant parties as well as conducted on-site inspections and believed that the overall preventive measures are sufficient for the time being.  

Authorities confirmed on Friday that the deaths of the nine monkeys were due to an infection of melioidosis. It added that one Common Squirrel Monkey and one De Brazza's Monkey have been isolated since October 13.