The Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, announced that the authorities are closely monitoring the health situation in the mammals section of the Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The recent health scare involving the monkeys in the enclosure has led to the unfortunate deaths of several primates due to melioidosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in soil.
The investigation revealed that workers may have inadvertently introduced contaminated soil into the area while carrying out maintenance activities. As a precautionary measure, one monkey is currently under quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease. Yeung mentioned that the health condition of the quarantined monkey is fluctuating, with some days showing improvement while others are more challenging. The primate is receiving necessary medical care to ensure its recovery.
When asked about the reopening of the monkey enclosure, Yeung stated that the authorities will assess the situation once the health scare is contained and under control. Observations of the monkeys’ behavior have indicated some unusual patterns, prompting the need for further monitoring. The decision to reopen the area will be made based on ensuring the safety and well-being of both the animals and visitors to the gardens.
In the meantime, visitors are advised to exercise caution and adhere to any guidelines or restrictions in place to prevent any potential spread of the infectious disease. The authorities are working diligently to address the situation and implement necessary measures to safeguard the health of the animals in the zoo.
It is essential for the public to stay informed and follow updates from the authorities regarding the status of the monkey enclosure. By staying vigilant and cooperating with the guidelines in place, everyone can contribute to the efforts to resolve the health scare and ensure the safe reopening of the affected area in the Zoological and Botanical Gardens.