​In view of the death of eight animals in Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens yesterday, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung convened an urgent interdepartmental meeting today to hear reports on the latest situation by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department as well as the Department of Health.

It was noted at the meeting that park staff had immediately stepped up monitoring of the conditions of all animals since yesterday. The movement response and appetite of a White-faced Saki and a De Brazza's Monkey were found to be unusual and they were removed from the original animal cages for close monitoring. The White-faced Saki passed away this morning. The park will continue to observe the remaining De Brazza's Monkey.

The park's Mammals Section was temporarily closed this morning to facilitate the close monitoring of the conditions of those animals, while the disinfection and cleaning of animal cages involved were completed.

The health condition of all 80 animals in the park is normal. For the sake of prudence, staff working there will wear appropriate protective gear and keep a close watch on their health condition. At present, all staff are healthy.

Additionally, different scenarios of case development and solutions were discussed at the meeting. Relevant government departments will speed up autopsy and toxicological testing, so that the possible causes of the incident could be known as soon as possible.