Hong Kong Zoo Faces Crisis as Twelfth Monkey Dies from Bacterial Outbreak

A bacterial infection linked to contaminated soil has killed 12 monkeys, prompting a closure and investigation at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens.

The recent deaths include critically endangered species such as cotton-top tamarins and De Brazza's monkeys.
Autopsies revealed the presence of Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium causing melioidosis, in the deceased monkeys.
Contaminated soil, likely brought in by workers, is suspected to be the source of the infection.
The zoo has closed its mammals section for disinfection and is monitoring the health of the remaining 78 mammals.
Concerns have been raised about the risk of zoonotic diseases, with authorities urged to improve preventive measures.