Hong Kong’s oldest park seals off part following loss of life of 9 monkeys in two days.
A zoo in Hong Kong is investigating the loss of life of 9 monkeys, together with three members of a critically endangered species, in two days.
A part of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest within the territory, has been sealed off and disinfected, Hong Kong chief John Lee stated in his weekly press briefing on Tuesday.
Activists stated the incident raises issues that maintaining animals in captivity can improve the danger that ailments corresponding to mpox might soar to people.
Eight monkeys have been discovered lifeless on Sunday and one other died on Monday after uncommon behaviour.
Consultants have been referred to as in to conduct necropsies and toxicological exams.
“Each time we have now any information, if there’s a brand new growth, an announcement must be made as quickly as potential, so that everybody can know in regards to the details,” Lee stated.
The deceased animals included a De Brazza’s monkey, a standard squirrel monkey, 4 white-faced sakis and three cotton-top tamarins – a species listed as critically endangered by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature.
On Monday, the federal government held an pressing interdepartmental assembly in regards to the deaths. It stated in an announcement that one other De Brazza’s monkey’s behaviour and urge for food have been discovered to be uncommon, requiring additional statement.
Nevertheless, all 80 different animals within the gardens have been in regular situation, it added.
Zoonotic ailments
Animal welfare group Individuals for the Moral Therapy of Animals (PETA) expressed concern in an announcement.
“Monkeys in captivity are sometimes uncovered to pathogens that trigger ailments that may be transmitted to people, together with tuberculosis, Chagas illness, cholera and MRSA,” Jason Baker, senior vp of PETA Asia, stated.
He asserted that the one manner to make sure the wellbeing of animals and stop the unfold of zoonotic ailments is to cease confining them in unnatural environments.
Inbuilt 1860, the territory’s oldest park homes about 158 birds, 80 mammals and 21 reptiles in roughly 40 enclosures.
