9 monkeys believed to have died in Hong Kong zoo from melioidosis bacterial infection

Nine monkeys that died at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens are believed to have succumbed to an infectious disease that can affect both animals and humans.

Confirming the Post’s report, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Friday necropsies and laboratory tests revealed the suspected diagnosis of melioidosis.

“Melioidosis is transmitted through contact with contaminated soil not human-to-human … which may be related to soil dug up from construction work nearby,” Yeung said.

The park in Central has been partially closed since earlier this week, following the unexplained deaths of the nine monkeys at the zoo.

The mammals section shut on Monday morning after three cotton-top tamarins, three white-faced saki monkeys, a De Brazza’s monkey and a common squirrel monkey were found dead the previous day.

Another white-faced saki monkey died on Monday morning, while a De Brazza’s monkey that showed similar symptoms such as abnormal appetite and behaviour was placed under observation.

Other facilities at the gardens have remained open.