Part of Hong Kong's oldest zoo has been closed after eight monkeys, including three of a critically endangered species, were found dead, AFP reported.
Zoo officials are investigating what caused the deaths of the monkeys, which included one guenon de Braza, one common saimiri, three cotton-headed tamarins and three white-faced sakis.
"An autopsy and laboratory tests were immediately ordered to determine the cause of death," the government's Department of Cultural and Entertainment Services said in a statement.
The cotton-headed tamarin is a species of small tree-dwelling monkey that inhabits the rainforests of South America. It is considered one of the most endangered primate species in the world.
According to the Smithsonian's National Institute of Zoology and Conservation Biology, fewer than 6,000 specimens remain in the wild.
Metal barriers and plastic strips were put up to separate the zoo from the mammals. A closing notice was taped to the door.
"Pending test results, the [zoo's] mammal section will be closed starting today for disinfection and cleaning," the statement added.
The dead monkeys were among 93 mammals kept at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. It is a 5.6 hectare oasis in the city's prestigious Mid-Levels area, where reptiles and birds are also raised.
The gardens were converted from the former official estate of the British colonial governors and opened to the public in 1871. Soon after, they began building their zoological collection. | BGNES
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