Second sturgeon dies in Hong Kong park

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-13  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A SECOND rare Chinese sturgeon, one of 10 fish given as gifts by the central government in celebration of the Beijing Olympic Games, has died in a Hong Kong amusement park, officials said yesterday.

The fish, which died on Wednesday, was being treated for an infection, Hong Kong's Ocean Park said in a statement. It did not say what the infection was or whether it was the cause of death.

The park said it would investigate the matter with experts from the mainland who would arrive in Hong Kong later this month.

Two other Chinese sturgeons that have shown similar symptoms were receiving medical attention last week, officials from the park said.

It was the second Chinese sturgeon that has died in Ocean Park. The first died in June after being bitten by barracudas housed in the same aquarium, prompting the park to move the Chinese sturgeons to a new facility.

The Chinese sturgeons were among 10 given by the National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association in May and July as gifts.

The fish, which can grow to 4.8 meters and weigh up to 500 kilograms, are an endangered species and are classified as protected animals in China.