HONG KONG – The tragic death of yet another monkey at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens has raised serious concerns, as the total number of fatalities related to this outbreak now stands at eleven. The latest incident, involving a common squirrel monkey, occurred over the last weekend, prompting immediate action from local wildlife authorities.
The most recent monkey, isolated along with another due to signs of illness, succumbed just days after exhibiting unusual behavior. This monkey was put under close observation by the local authorities responsible for the zoo. The government confirmed the monkey's death on Saturday, following the unfortunate trend of rising fatalities among the primate population, all linked to the bacterial infection known as melioidosis.
Melioidosis, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, poses serious health risks not only to animals but also to humans, leading to concerns about potential zoonotic transmission, where diseases pass from animals to humans. Symptoms of the disease can include fever, muscle pain, and respiratory issues. Despite the potential severity of melioidosis, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has assured the public repeatedly there is no immediate threat to human health, indicating it typically doesn’t transmit from animals to people or between individuals. Instead, humans can become infected through contact with contaminated soil or surface water.
The spate of monkey deaths began on October 13, when eight monkeys—including three critically endangered cotton-top tamarins, one De Brazza’s monkey, one common squirrel monkey, and three white-faced sakis—were found dead. Authorities conducted necropsies (animal autopsies) on the deceased animals, confirming they all died from sepsis linked to melioidosis. The grim findings have activated the necropsy examination protocol for the zoo's remaining inhabitants as well.
While investigating the current situation, officials noted the timing coincided with recent construction activities at the zoo. There had been some drilling work near the monkey habitats, which may have disturbed contaminated soil. This work could have inadvertently spread the bacteria through the shoes of construction workers, exacerbated by the recent heavy rains which can also help propagate bacteria.
Mr. Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, has indicated the connection between the renovation work and the outbreak. With the incubation period for melioidosis suspected to be about one week, the timeline of the monkey deaths aligns disturbingly well with the soil disturbance from the zoo's construction activities.
To curb the outbreak, the zoo's mammal section has been temporarily closed to the public, and all remaining monkeys are under increased health surveillance, receiving medication as needed. The authorities are aiming to sanitize affected areas and keep the health condition of the primates monitored to prevent any potential increase of infections.
Despite mounting health worries, the Fisheries and Conservation Department has yet to find conclusive evidence of the infection spreading to the remaining staff or visitors. The health condition of zoo staff has reportedly remained normal, alleviating some immediate fears of wider outbreaks.
Officials continue to advocate for public caution—advising those who might come across contaminated soil or muddy water, especially after storms, to take protective measures. Wearing proper clothing and avoiding unnecessary interactions with potentially contaminated areas are strongly recommended.”
The response to the fatalities has been extensive, with plans for thorough cleaning protocols and future mitigation measures actively discussed. Residents and zoo visitors are urged not to panic but rather to remain vigilant, as authorities continue to investigate the cause and nature of this concerning outbreak.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, with more than 250 animal species, is continuously under scrutiny as health officials work to resolve this unsettling health crisis, with hopes of preserving the remaining populations of affected monkey species.
While the immediate risk of transmission to humans appears low, the unsettling series of events has prompted discussions about zoo management and wildlife health protocols. Local stakeholders express growing concerns around animal welfare and the need for enhanced surveillance and medical readiness for zoo inhabitants, especially as the health of the beloved primate species is critically important to the fabric of the local zoological community.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the delicate balance between animal health and human activity, reinforcing the necessity for stringent health protocols and environmental care. It's clear this cannot be seen as merely another incident of diseases affecting wildlife but as part of the broader conversation about how humans interact with and impact nature, especially as urban development continues to encroach upon wildlife habitats.
