Hong Kong Zoo Shuts Down Temporarily After Eight Animals Die in One Day
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens faced a tragic day as authorities closed a section of the zoo to the public following the sudden deaths of eight animals. Among the deceased were one De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, three cotton-top tamarins, and three white-faced saki monkeys. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department swiftly responded by closing the mammals section of the zoo for disinfection and cleaning. As investigations begin to uncover the cause of the deaths, necropsies and laboratory tests have been ordered.
While the mammals section remains closed, other areas of the zoo like the botanical garden continue to welcome visitors. The department assured the public that the health of the remaining animals is being closely monitored. The closure is set to continue until 20 October, with staff seen wearing protective gear and security guards donning face masks in the vicinity of the mammals section.
Despite the closure, some tourists expressed disappointment at missing out on the zoo experience. Martin Bella and his wife from the Czech Republic were glad to find a clean and free botanical garden but were saddened by the closure of the mammals section. Similarly, Steffany Poon from America had hoped to see monkeys but had to leave without the opportunity. The Zoological and Botanical Gardens, established in 1860, is home to a diverse range of wildlife including 158 bird species, 93 mammals, and 21 reptiles across approximately 40 enclosures.
The incident has raised concerns and questions among visitors and animal lovers alike as authorities work to determine the cause of the tragic deaths. As investigations continue, the zoo’s closure serves as a somber reminder of the importance of animal welfare and conservation efforts in ensuring the well-being of wildlife in captivity.