Hong Kong Zoo Faces Crisis as Twelve Monkeys Die from Bacterial Outbreak

Following the deaths of twelve monkeys due to a bacterial outbreak in a Hong Kong zoo, authorities investigate potential soil contamination and the risk of zoonotic diseases.

In a distressing development, a twelfth De Brazza's monkey has died at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens amid an ongoing bacterial outbreak that has decimated the local primate population. Testing is currently underway to determine whether this latest casualty is linked to the same bacterial infection that resulted in the tragic deaths of eleven other monkeys over the past ten days.

The deceased monkey had been in isolation since October 13, coinciding with the initial reports of mortality among the primates. Autopsy results reveal a significant presence of sepsis-inducing bacteria, likely stemming from contaminated soil close to the enclosures, according to local authorities. Investigations suggest that construction workers, who had been excavating soil near the monkeys' habitats, may have inadvertently introduced pathogens into the area via their footwear.

Veterinary epidemiologist Dirk Pfeiffer, from the City University of Hong Kong, commented on the situation, assuring the public that the risk of this infection transferring to humans is "fairly low." However, he stressed that incidents of sudden multiple deaths in confined animal populations are concerning, highlighting that soil contamination is often underreported in Asia.

The earlier fatalities included various species, such as critically endangered cotton-top tamarins and white-faced sakis, all attributed to melioidosis, a serious infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium found in soil endemic to tropical and sub-tropical climates. The latest monkey's autopsy suggested it suffered from "similar lesions in the tissues of its organs," raising alarm about the overall health of the remaining inhabitants in the zoo.

While officials report that the status of the remaining 78 mammals is "normal," the zoo's mammals section has been temporarily closed since October 14 for thorough disinfection and sanitation. As the oldest park in Hong Kong, the Zoological and Botanical Gardens covers 14 acres and serves as a vital hub for animal conservation and public education.

Animal rights advocacy group Peta has expressed its dismay over the outbreak, drawing attention to the broader implications of such zoonotic diseases — those that can transfer from animals to humans. Peta’s campaign manager Abigail Forsyth emphasized the urgency of ceasing the confinement of animals for entertainment. “To safeguard their emotional and physical health, it’s imperative to stop imprisoning them and instead protect their natural habitats,” she stated.

The earliest recorded case of melioidosis in the region dates back to the mid-1970s, marking a concerning precedent highlighted by experts responding to the current crisis.