Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON — The Hutchinson zoo announced today that the three tamarin monkeys at their facility have died over the past week.

John Wright, Director of the zoo, said that the three primates showed a loss of appetite and lethargic behavior Nov. 19. Two of the animals died Nov. 23, while the other died Nov. 25.

The animals were sent to Kansas State University where it was determined the monkeys died from Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis, a highly fatal rodent-borne disease. Wright says the primates likely contracted the illness from contact with mice.

Wright says they are taking steps to make sure they can control the rodents that become more of a nuisance during the winter months. Cotton-top tamarin monkeys are indeginious to mostly Central and South America

Wright says they have fully investigated the matter and feel the rest of the zoo animals are safe.