Granby Zoo warns visitors about contact with Japanese macaque after isolated incident
Posted August 6, 2026 6:00 pm.
Last Updated August 7, 2026 9:06 am.
The Granby Zoo is issuing a warning to recent visitors following an incident involving a Japanese macaque on Aug. 4.
A visitor to Granby Zoo needed first aid after what’s been described as “accidental, limited physical contact” with a Japanese macaque on Tuesday in a secure area of the zoo generally restricted to staff.
The zoo did not specify the nature of the contact.
The visitor received a medical follow-up and she is doing well, the zoo said in a news release.
The zoo says anyone else who may have come into contact with the macaque should call the 811 health care hotline.
According to zoo officials, an internal investigation was conducted after the incident and operational procedures have been reviewed with staff.
Dr. Mélissa Généreux, medical advisor for direction de santé publique de Santé Québec Estri – CHUS, says Japanese macaques can carry the Herpes B virus. While she says human infection is extremely rare, contact can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly.
“Anyone who visited the macaque area during the period in question and had direct physical contact with the animal, such as a scratch, a bite, or exposure of a fresh wound or mucous membrane to the animal’s saliva, is asked to contact Info-Santé by calling 811,” Généreux said in the Granby Zoo news release.
Officials say they are monitoring the situation and are prepared to coordinate potential necessary measures. They say actions have already been implemented to support anyone who may have been exposed to the monkey.
— With files from The Canadian Press
