HONG KONG — The city’s oldest zoo is facing a troubling situation involving the sudden deaths of nine monkeys over a short span of two days, which includes three individuals from a species that is critically endangered.

In response to this alarming event, authorities have taken measures to cordon off and disinfect certain areas of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Experts have been brought in to perform necropsies and toxicology tests on the deceased animals, as confirmed by Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, during his weekly press briefing on Tuesday.

The distressing discovery occurred on Sunday, when eight monkeys were found lifeless, followed by the death of another on Monday after exhibiting atypical behavior patterns. Among the deceased were a De Brazza’s monkey, a common squirrel monkey, four white-faced sakis, and three cotton-top tamarins — a species recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Lee emphasized the importance of communication, stating, “Whenever we have any news, if there’s a new development, an announcement should be made as soon as possible, so that everyone can know about the facts.”

On the following day, the local government convened an urgent meeting involving multiple departments to discuss the situation surrounding the monkey fatalities. In an official statement, they noted that another De Brazza’s monkey was also exhibiting unusual behavior and a lack of appetite, prompting the need for continued observation. However, it was reported that all other 80 monkeys in the garden appeared to be in good health.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which has been a notable landmark since it fully opened to the public in 1871, is situated in a bustling urban area in the heart of Central. This park serves as an invaluable green space in the financial center that reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.