Rare Golden Monkey Cubs Named in Belgium

Two female golden snub-nosed monkey cubs at Belgium's Pairi Daiza zoo have been named Zhenzhen and Xi Le, marking their 100th day, a significant milestone in Chinese tradition. The cubs are the progeny of three Qinling golden snub-nosed monkeys that arrived in May 2025 as part of a conservation cooperation program.

This initiative represents the first long-term international conservation effort for the endangered Qinling golden snub-nosed monkey subspecies. Pairi Daiza's founder expressed appreciation for the symbolic meanings behind Chinese naming traditions, with Zhenzhen evoking a "sweet and radiant pearl" and Xi Le representing "joy and simple happiness."

The names were chosen through a public online vote that garnered over 8,600 votes. The zoo aims to help these animals reproduce and eventually return offspring to China, while also educating visitors about wildlife conservation. This follows Pairi Daiza's previous success with giant panda cubs.

China's Ambassador to Belgium noted the births align with China's 15th Five-Year Plan and underscored the rarity of international cooperation for golden snub-nosed monkeys, contrasting it with broader giant panda programs. He likened Pairi Daiza to a "treasure bowl" nurturing conservation efforts, turning three monkeys into five in less than a year.

The ambassador emphasized the broader lesson of coexistence between humans and nature, accessible through visiting places like Pairi Daiza. He called for joint efforts to protect biodiversity and build a community with a shared future for humanity, stressing that humanity's common ground surpasses differences.

Visitors Peter and Mona shared their delight in discovering the rare species, noting that Chinese animals at the zoo bring enjoyment. The naming ceremony was attended by Chinese wildlife conservation experts, zoo staff, and government representatives, celebrating the growing conservation partnership between China and Belgium.