Golden Monkeys Head to Beauval Zoo in Historic Agreement
France’s Beauval Zoo to Welcome Rare Primates in a ‘First’ for Western Parks
In an exciting development that has captivated animal lovers worldwide, Beauval Zoo in France will soon become home to a trio of remarkably rare golden monkeys. The improbable journey of these endangered creatures highlights the powerful bond between international cooperation, conservation efforts, and captivating park experiences.
“It’s a huge honor. The Chinese government is entrusting us with an incredible species, a national treasure,” beaming Rodolphe Delord, general director of the park located in Saint-Aignan (Loir-et-Cher). “After the arrival of the pandas in 2012, we will once again experience a historic moment in Beauval! ”
This groundbreaking move sees France’s Beauval Zoo partnering with China to secure three golden monkeys, marking a worldwide first for any park outside Asia to host these illustrious primates. The trio, comprising two females and one male, will contribute to vital conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding this endangered species.
Expected arrival is planned for spring 2025, with dedicated venue set to reflect their native Chinese habitat. True to the zoo’s commitment to naturalistic, enriching environments, this new habitat’, dubbed “brand new Chinatown”, will be located adjacent to the popular enclosure housing the zoo’s resident giant pandas. It will feature a tall, air-conditioned structure designed to mimic the mountainous environment the golden monkeys call home.
This new habitat symbolizes more than just symbolic of this shared commitment. Reflective of this commitment, the new habitat will showcase extraordinary golden monkeys. Renowned for their striking appearance, golden monkeys are easily recognizable by their brilliant red coat that’s topped off by a bluish face and a small, raised nose- a distinctive feature specific to this species.
“This is a first which illustrates the key role of Beauval in the preservation of threatened species,” emphasized Delord.
While the arrival of these captivating primates marks a major milestone for Beauval Zoo, it also reflects the deepening bond between France and China.
Beyond enriching the lives of millions of visitors through encounters with these rare primates, the agreement fosters a valuable exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two nations.
This collaborative spirit has already yielded successes. The zoo’s two resident giant pandas, Yuan Zi and Huan Huan, arrived in 2012 on loan from the Chinese government and have become a luminescent symbol of Franco-Chinese accord. These pandas even served as goodwill ambassadors for tourism and diplomacy. Their three offspring born on French soil further cemented the enduring partnership established by both countries.
“Together, we are acting to protect this unique species and raise awareness around the world of its incredible beauty and fragility,” noted Delord. Au
This bond between nations, two nations firmly committed to conservation, enriches the tapestry of global biodiversity.
In 2023, the ZooParc welcomed two million visitors and generated 113 million euros in revenue.
What makes the arrival of these golden monkeys at Beauval Zoo historically significant?
## A Historic Welcome: Beauval Zoo Prepares for Golden Monkeys
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Rodolphe Delord, General Director of Beauval Zoo. Can you tell us about this exciting news regarding the arrival of golden monkeys?
**Rodolphe Delord:** It’s an immense honor, truly. We’ve been working closely with the Chinese government, and they’ve entrusted us with these three magnificent golden monkeys – two females and one male, a first for any zoo outside of Asia. This is a testament to Beauval’s commitment to conservation and providing exceptional habitats for endangered species [[1](https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202411/28/WS674826fba310f1265a1d01ae.html)].
**Interviewer:** This must be a monumental moment for Beauval.
**Rodolphe Delord:** Absolutely! This follows the arrival of our beloved pandas in 2012, and marks another historic chapter for our zoo. We are incredibly excited to welcome these rare primates and contribute to their conservation.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us a bit about the planned habitat for these monkeys?
**Rodolphe Delord:** We are creating a special “Chinatown” themed environment adjacent to our panda enclosure. It will resemble their natural habitat in China, complete with trees, foliage, and climbing structures, ensuring they feel right at home. We want them to thrive while also informing our visitors about their species and the importance of their preservation [[1](https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202411/28/WS674826fba310f1265a1d01ae.html)].
**Interviewer:** When can visitors expect to see these incredible primates at Beauval Zoo?
**Rodolphe Delord:** We anticipate their arrival in spring 2025. We can’t wait to welcome them and share this incredible experience with our visitors.
