The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that one Common Squirrel Monkey at the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) that was put under isolated surveillance was found dead today.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will conduct a necropsy on the animal to ascertain if the cause of death was the same as the other earlier cases.

The LCSD said the monkey was one of two Common Squirrel Monkeys put under isolation and medication since October 16, when they displayed an unusual movement response.

At present, the remaining Common Squirrel Monkey and one De Brazza's Monkey under isolation since October 13, remain under isolated surveillance and are on medication.

A total of 10 animals at the HKZBG have passed away since October 13.

The LCSD will keep the HKZBG’s Mammals Section closed to monitor the health condition of the animals as well as continue to provide protective gear and health monitoring for staff who take care of animals.

At present, the health conditions of the staff concerned are normal, the LCSD added.