Golden Monkeys: China's New Animal Ambassadors

China has recently sent its rare golden snub-nosed monkeys to European zoos for the first time, potentially following the model of 'panda diplomacy'. These endangered primates, known for their distinctive orange fur and pale blue faces, are native to the cold mountains of central China.

Three monkeys arrived at France's Beauval Zoo in April, while another trio was sent to Belgium's Pairi Daiza zoo in May. These exchanges mark significant diplomatic events, with the French arrival coinciding with the 60th anniversary of China-France relations.

The monkeys have adapted well to their new environments after a quarantine period. Their enclosures in Europe feature traditional Chinese-style buildings, allowing them to leap and play as they would in their natural habitat. Zoos hope these exchanges will foster scientific collaboration and conservation efforts between China and European countries.