China sends endangered golden monkeys to Europe in new wave of 'animal diplomacy'

Endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys from China have made their European debut, with the rare primates now serving as global envoys much like the country's celebrated giant pandas.

Two European zoos — Beauval Zoo in France and Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium — recently received three golden monkeys each on decade-long conservation loans backed by Chinese authorities. The initiative marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and France, and strengthens scientific cooperation on wildlife protection, officials said.

The striking monkeys, known for their vivid orange fur and pale blue faces, are native to the cold mountain forests of central China. After a month of quarantine, they were introduced to the public and are reported to be adapting well to their new environments.

Pairi Daiza created an enclosure modelled on traditional Chinese architecture, where the monkeys leap between wooden structures and rope ladders. "There is a diplomatic aspect through cultural exchange," said zoo spokesperson Johan Vreys.

Beauval Zoo officials said discussions are underway for joint research and conservation programmes similar to those involving giant pandas.

Golden snub-nosed monkeys hold a special place in Chinese art and literature, including the iconic Monkey King from the classic novel Journey to the West. Like pandas, they are classified as endangered and cannot be moved abroad without government approval.

China first used giant pandas as diplomatic gifts in the 1950s before shifting to long-term conservation loans in the 1980s, with part of the funding supporting habitat protection. Critics, however, warn that global transport and required return of offspring can stress animals.

Within China, conservation efforts at Shennongjia National Park in Hubei have helped triple the monkey population there to about 1,600.

While pandas remain China's best-known wildlife ambassadors, experts say the charismatic golden monkeys may be their potential successors. For now, the six monkeys in France and Belgium remain the only ones outside Asia.