A snub-nosed monkey is pictured at Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 23, 2024. The black-and-white snub-nosed monkey, also known as the Yunnan golden hair monkey, is a national first-class protected animal of China. The species is also on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Over two consecutive days on October 13 and 14, nine animals died at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG), prompting significant concern. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LCSD) stated on Tuesday that there were no new animal deaths reported that day and samples of the nine animal carcasses have been sent to the relevant authorities for testing. 

The park suspended access to the mammal area effective October 14 to conduct comprehensive disinfection and cleaning.

The animals that died on October 13 included one De Brazza's Monkey, one Common Squirrel Monkey, three Cotton-top Tamarins and three White-faced Sakis. The LCSD has liaised with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the department said in a notice. 

The department said it will also closely monitor the health conditions of other animals. 

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday emphasized the need to determine the cause of death for the nine animals as soon as possible, including conducting autopsies and toxicological analyses.