Eight monkeys were found dead at the Hong Kong Zoo, according to the government

Eight animals were found dead at a Hong Kong zoo, the city government said on Monday, a rare incident in the financial hub, with autopsies and laboratory tests being carried out to determine the cause of death.

The animals, a De Brazza monkey, a squirrel monkey, three cotton-top monkeys and three white-faced sakis, were found dead in the city’s Zoological and Botanical Gardens on Sunday, Hong Kong’s Recreation and Culture Department said in a statement.

While awaiting test results, the zoo’s mammal section will be closed for disinfection and cleaning starting Monday.

“We will also closely monitor the health of other animals. During this period, other HKZBG facilities will also remain open,” the statement said, using the abbreviation for zoo and gardens.

The zoo is the oldest park in the area. It was built in 1860 and houses around 158 birds, 93 mammals and 21 reptiles in around 40 enclosures.