Golden monkeys replace ‘panda diplomacy’? China debuts rare species at European zoos

China’s endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys have made their first-ever debut at European zoos, thereby sparking the debate of replacing much-coveted “panda diplomacy.”

These rare monkeys characterized by their shaggy orange manes are being sent to European zoos for the very first time as “furry envoys”.

Among the two trios of golden monkeys, three arrived at France’s Beauval Zoo in April to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

The other three were sent to Pairi Daiza zoo, Belgium in May.

The loans are for 10 years and are supervised by the same government group responsible for overseeing the official panda exchanges.

Pairi Daiza spokesperson Johan Vreys said, “The diplomatic aspect comes from this cultural awareness.”

“The hope is to build longstanding scientific exchanges between the zoos and Chinese authorities,” said Anaïs Maury, the communications director for the Beauval Zoo.

These pandas and rare monkeys are unique to China due to their endangered nature, so they can be moved outside the country after getting approval from the central government.