Zoo to reopen amid vigilance sparked by monkey deaths

Marcus Lum

The mammals section of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens will reopen tomorrow, ending a two-month hiatus caused by the deaths of 12 monkeys in October.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has implemented preventive and control measures since then, including thorough cleaning and disinfection of animal enclosures.

Staff responsible for animal care are now required to wear protective gear and closely monitor their own health.

The LCSD has advised visitors to follow staff guidance and adhere to safety instructions within the park.

Visitors are reminded not to touch, feed or throw objects at the animals.

Hand-washing facilities are available throughout the park, and individuals feeling unwell are urged not to visit.

The LCSD will review operational guidelines and implement control and protection measures as needed.

The mammals section was closed off on October 14 after eight monkeys were found dead on the same day, with another four dying within the week. Eleven died from sepsis related to a melioidosis bacterial infection.

Former secretary for culture, sports and tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on October 18 the deaths might be linked to digging in the park.

Work, he said, was needed to repair irrigation pipes beneath flower beds near the monkeys' cages.

"Staff might have been brought contaminants into the cages on their footwear. Also, monkeys with high bacterial concentrations might have transmitted the infection to others through close contact," he said.

The incubation period for melioidosis in primates is about a week, which is in line with the timing of the digging and suggests a potential connection to the monkeys' deaths.