Beauval Zoo welcomed three golden snub-nosed monkeys on Wednesday, marking the species’ first-ever public appearance in Europe. The group, comprising one male and two females, traveled from the Shanghai Wild Animal Park on the Chinese mainland and completed a month-long quarantine before going on display.
This milestone comes as part of a ten-year partnership between the zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. By teaming up, both institutions aim to boost bilateral efforts in wildlife protection, research, and species recovery. Golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) are native to China’s mountainous forests, where they face threats from habitat loss and climate change.
“Bringing these primates here for the first time is not just a headline-grabbing debut,” says Dr. Emma Laurent, Beauval’s head primatologist. “It sparks curiosity about conservation challenges thousands of kilometers away and highlights how global collaboration can make a real-world impact.”
Young global citizens and travelers at the zoo can now get an up-close look at these striking primates with their golden coats and distinctive upturned noses. Interactive displays will guide visitors through the monkeys’ natural behaviors, while live data streams share insights on their diet, social dynamics, and health monitoring.
Looking ahead, the partnership plans to exchange research staff, run joint breeding programs, and develop educational content for schools in both Europe and the Chinese mainland. For business and tech enthusiasts, the project showcases how data-driven monitoring and innovative zoo design can create immersive, sustainable habitats.
As these golden snub-nosed monkeys settle into their new home, they remind us that conservation knows no borders. Their journey from the Chinese mainland to France highlights a shared responsibility: protecting our planet’s biodiversity for generations to come.
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Golden snub-nosed monkeys from China make European debut at French zoo
cgtn.com
