Three Rare Golden Monkeys have arrived at Pairi Daiza
On May 14, 2025, Pairi Daiza has welcomed three Golden Monkeys from the Qinling Giant Panda Research Center in China.
This transfer is part of a ten-year international partnership signed on December 16, 2024, between Pairi Daiza and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), dedicated to the conservation of Golden Monkeys. Following the successful collaboration on Giant Panda conservation, this new agreement reflects a renewed commitment between Pairi Daiza and China to safeguard endangered species. Any offspring born as part of this project will be repatriated to China at the age of five.
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Golden Monkeys are notable for their blue faces, long fur, exceptional resistance to cold, and complex social behaviors.
Pairi Daiza, in close cooperation with its Chinese partners, will launch joint research and conservation projects.
At the same time, the Park is committed to raising public awareness about the protection of this endangered species, and more broadly, the importance of preserving biodiversity. This partnership aims to actively involve visitors in protecting endangered species.
Eric Domb, President-Founder of Pairi Daiza and the Pairi Daiza Foundation, states:
"The protection of endangered species is a responsibility that transcends borders. The arrival of the Golden Monkeys embodies our shared commitment to safeguarding these extraordinary creatures — not only through conservation efforts, but also through education and inspiration, so that every visitor becomes an agent of change." Eric Domb
A Habitat built with Care and Expertise
The new Golden Monkeys habitat was meticulously designed by the teams at Pairi Daiza in collaboration with Chinese experts. It is a true feat of craftsmanship.
Around 30 professionals — including earthwork engineers, botanists, carpenters, and blacksmiths — worked hand in hand with the Park’s design team to create a space that blends functionality, aesthetics, and behavioral adaptability.
The new territory, spanning over 600 m², is a repurposed transformation of the former Golden-cheeked Gibbons habitat. It recreates the forested landscapes of Qinling through walkways constructed using wood from the Robinia tree, commonly known as black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), climbing structures, and traditional Chinese pavilions.
An 8-meter-wide river runs through the territory, offering both safety and freedom of movement to the animals in a semi-open environment that respects their natural behavior.
The architecture is inspired by the park’s Chinese Garden (The Middle Kingdom). The iconic Moon Gate, centerpiece of the outdoor habitat, has been moved to the heart of the island, expanded to 5.75 meters in diameter, and fitted with a glass wall for visibility and safety.
The indoor area covers nearly 150 m² and includes two traditional pavilions, along with an expanded technical zone to facilitate the keepers' work.
A one-meter buffer zone in front of the viewing windows allows visitors to experience immersion without disturbing the animals.
On March 20, a delegation of Chinese experts inspected and approved the Park’s installations. All of their recommendations have been meticulously implemented.
The three Golden Monkeys, who arrived in Belgium by plane through Brussels Airport, are currently in quarantine, but visitors can already catch glimpses of some of their activities.
Johan Vreys