Hong Kong zoo to reopen mammal section on Friday, 2 months after disease killed 12 monkeys

Authorities will reopen the mammal section at a Hong Kong zoo to the public on Friday, two months after a bacterial outbreak linked to contaminated soil from a nearby construction site killed 12 monkeys.

Part of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, including the site’s monkey enclosure, was closed off on October 14 after several of its animals were found dead, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said on Wednesday that the government would implement “rigorous environmental hygiene management measures” as part of the reopening to ensure the safety of both animals and visitors.

“Multiple preventive and control measures have immediately been implemented, including thoroughly disinfecting and cleansing animal cages, arranging for staff who take care of the animals to put on protective gear and reminding them to closely monitor their own health conditions,” a spokesman said.

“Bacterial tests for staff have shown negative results, while samples collected from surrounding soil and water have also tested negative.”

The department also reminded visitors not to touch, feed or throw anything at the animals, adding that the park had handwashing facilities.

Officials earlier said that digging during pipe-repair work in early October in a nearby flower bed area could have caused contaminated soil to be exposed to the environment, resulting in a bacterial outbreak.