Recognised for their light blue face and orange mane, China's golden snub-nosed monkeys have officially begun their first European zoo exhibit, thus broadening the scope of wildlife diplomacy. These monkeys, which remain endangered and can only be found in the cold mountains of central China, will be under a ten-year loan agreement, comparable to the panda diplomacy. The gold snub-nosed monkeys are being loaned to multiple European nations to enhance the scientific and conservation collaboration between China and Europe.
Though they are among the most rare and beautiful primates in the world, the golden snub-nosed monkeys have only recently begun to make the excitement of zoo-based tourism in Europe. Their gentle personality in combination with their animated physical features, will attract many tourists and wildlife enthusiast alike to Europe.
The Golden Monkeys and Their Unique Features
The golden snub-nosed monkeys seem to be different from other primates in that they have shaggy golden-orange fur, a noticeably blue face, and feet and hands that are also fur-covered. Snub-nosed monkeys are found in temperate forests that are high in altitude in the central parts of China, specifically, the provinces of Shanxi, Sichuan and Gansu. For the most part, these forests experience snowfall for most of the year, which leads to these monkeys having additional traits to help them live in such a tough setting.
With only an approximated 2000 members of this species still living in the Wild, golden snub-nosed monkeys are recognized as an endangered species. With regard to the golden snub-nosed monkeys, there is a major problem historically known to the public that is referred to as lost habitats, poaching, and global warming. The aforementioned issues have caused China to take serious defensive actions which as of late have included setting up conservation areas and setting up breeding programs for these monkeys.
A New Era of Wildlife Diplomacy: China's Golden Monkeys
Like China's famous diplomatic panda, the golden snub-nosed monkeys that have been sent to Europe are meant to promote international collaboration for conservation, culture, and science. There is a government agency in charge of overseeing both the panda and golden snub-nosed monkeys programs as well as their exports from China to other countries.
Across Europe, specially reserved zoos will house golden monkeys and use them to bolster a campaign regarding monkeys' endangered status and any associated conservation policies. Zoos in France, Germany, and the UK will support the captive breeding and husbandry of the golden monkeys, thus blazing a trail in the race to conserve them.
This will hopefully improve tourism in the regions where the monkeys are now kept, particularly regarding their viewing. With more visitors, the zoos will be able to increase revenues from admission and programs aimed at educating the public about the species and their conservation. Thus, the zoos will be able to offer controlled eco-tourism in balanced conservation of the monkeys with education about their status.
The Contribution of Wildlife Tourism to Conservation
Now a major component of the global tourism industry, wildlife tourism, particularly in the form of safaris or visits to a zoo, has aroused considerable interest among travellers. Zoos where the golden snub-nosed monkeys are kept captive for public viewing play a crucial part in saving these rare and endangered species by breeding them in captivity and providing the public with a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.
In Europe, the golden monkeys have the potential to entice a segment of the tourism market focused on wildlife. Having the monkeys will provide zoos the chance to enhance their teaching on the golden snub-nosed monkeys' habitat, behaviours, and the conservation issues surrounding the species. The school children on zoo excursions will appreciate the golden snub-nosed monkeys as well as understand China's conservation work and its importance to the preservation of endangered species.
In addition, the loan agreement illustrates the more strategic purpose of wildlife diplomacy in nurturing cross-border collaboration on conservation. As the golden snub-nosed monkeys take on the role of China's eco-ambassador, they also help close social and scientific divides in other countries, thus supporting international collaboration on wildlife conservation.
Responding to Issues and Guarantees Regarding the Conservation of the Species
Some of the criticisms surrounding the presence of golden snub-nosed monkeys in European zoos which are juxtaposed with conservation practices and animal tourism, are valid. Sceptics of animal exchanges in the international marketplace have raised concerns on the monkeys' traveling, more especially with the attention on the stress of relocation.
In an effort to address these issues, the Chinese government along with collaborating European zoos has attempted to make the animals' relocation as seamless and stress-free as possible. Both countries' experts have worked together to design optimal enclosures that reproduce the monkeys' natural habitats found in China. These actions are aimed at the more important objective of ensuring the welfare of the monkeys during their overseas travel and that their stay works towards their conservation.
The Rest of the World and the Future of China's Wildlife Diplomacy
The first addition of the golden snub-nosed monkeys to Europe's zoos marks an important new development in China's wildlife diplomacy. It highlights the need for collaborative efforts in conservation in order to protect and prevent the extinction of wildlife. As China broadens its efforts in wildlife conservation and develops relations with other countries, the golden snub-nosed monkeys are poised to serve as symbols for the fight against biodiversity loss.
Some tourists and wildlife lovers will find seeing these rare animals up close to be a thrilling addition to their visit China for its culture and nature. The China-Europe zoo collaboration is a step forward in international conservation efforts and is also helpful for developing eco-tourism."