A twelfth monkey has died at a Hong Kong zoo amid ongoing investigations into a bacterial infection that has claimed the lives of 11 other monkeys in just 10 days. The primate, a De Brazza’s monkey, had been in isolation since October 13, following the initial report of deaths.
Autopsy results revealed a significant presence of sepsis-inducing bacteria, likely originating from contaminated soil near the monkey enclosures. Authorities speculate that workers might have inadvertently introduced this contaminated soil while digging near the cages.
Experts emphasize that the risk of the infection spreading to humans remains “fairly low.” One veterinary epidemiologist noted that while soil contamination is often overlooked in Asia, the sudden spike in fatalities among captive animals raises concerns.
The earlier fatalities included critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and various other monkey species, all dying from melioidosis—an infectious disease transmitted through contaminated soil, air, or water. This disease is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is endemic to tropical and subtropical regions.
The most recent monkey death occurred on Tuesday, with initial findings indicating that it exhibited similar tissue lesions as the others. Although the health of the remaining 78 mammals at the zoo is reported as “normal,” the mammals section has been temporarily closed for thorough disinfection and cleaning.
The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, the city’s oldest park spanning 14 acres, is the site of these troubling events. Concerns about zoonotic diseases, such as monkeypox, have also been voiced by animal rights organizations, advocating for better protection of animal habitats rather than confining them for entertainment purposes.
The earliest documented case of melioidosis in Hong Kong occurred in the mid-1970s, when a notable incident involved the sudden deaths of 24 dolphins due to the disease at a local theme park.
