Three golden snub-nosed monkeys from the Chinese mainland have made their public debut at the Beauval Zoo in France, marking the first time this rare species has been exhibited outside Asia.
The trio—one male and two females—arrived from the Shanghai Wild Animal Park accompanied by a caretaker from the Chinese mainland. After completing a month-long quarantine, they were introduced to the public at a special ceremony where the zoo’s director, Rodolphe Delord, revealed their names: Jindou (golden seed), Jinbao (golden treasure), and Jinhua (golden flower). The names were chosen through an online competition earlier this year.
“Their arrival strengthens the ties between France and the Chinese mainland in wildlife conservation,” Delord said. “We hope to see them thrive here and someday contribute to reintroduction efforts in their natural habitat.”
The golden snub-nosed monkey, also known as the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey, is native to the mountainous forests of central and southwest China. Recognized by their vibrant golden fur and unique upturned noses, they are considered a national treasure and are under top-level state protection.
This partnership is part of a ten-year collaboration between the Beauval Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association to enhance cooperation in wildlife protection. The Beauval Zoo previously welcomed giant pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi in 2012, further solidifying Sino-French cooperation in animal conservation.
With the addition of the golden snub-nosed monkeys, the zoo continues its tradition of hosting rare and endangered species, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about these remarkable animals and the importance of conservation efforts.
