Activists warn of dangers as Hong Kong zoo probes monkey deaths

In just two days, a Hong Kong zoo is looking into the death of nine monkeys, including three members of a critically endangered species.

Part of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the territory, has been sealed off and disinfected, Hong Kong leader John Lee said in his weekly press briefing on Tuesday.

According to activists, the incident raises questions about whether keeping animals in captivity increases the risk of mpox-related illness reaching humans.

On Sunday, one of eight monkeys died after engaging in unusual behavior, and one more died on Monday.

Necropsies and toxicological tests have been performed by experts.

“Whenever we have any news, if there’s a new development, an announcement should be made as soon as possible, so that everyone can know about the facts”, Lee said.

A De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis, and three cotton-top tamarins, all of whom were killed, are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered.

The government held an urgent interdepartmental meeting regarding the deaths on Monday. It said in a statement that another De Brazza’s monkey’s behaviour and appetite were found to be unusual, requiring further observation.

However, all 80 other animals in the gardens were in normal condition, it added.

Zoonotic diseases

In a statement, the animal welfare organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) expressed concern.

“Monkeys in captivity are often exposed to pathogens that cause diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including tuberculosis, Chagas disease, cholera and MRSA”, Jason Baker, senior vice president of PETA Asia, said.

He claimed that putting animals in unsafe conditions and preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases is the only way to stop them.