Eight monkeys found dead at Hong Kong zoo, government says

HONG KONG — Eight animals were found dead in a Hong Kong zoo, the city's government said on Monday, a rare incident in the financial hub, with necropsy and laboratory tests arranged to find out the cause of deaths.


The animals, a De Brazza’s monkey, one common squirrel monkey, three cotton-top tamarins and three white-faced sakis, were found dead at the city's Zoological and Botanical Gardens on Sunday, Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department said in a statement.


While awaiting test results, the mammals section of the zoo will be shut from Monday for disinfection and cleaning.


"We will also closely monitor the health conditions of other animals. During this period, other facilities of the HKZBG will remain open," the statement said, using the abbreviation for the zoo and gardens.


The zoo is the oldest park in the territory. Built in 1860, it houses around 158 birds, 93 mammals and 21 reptiles in about 40 enclosures.