The Golden Monkeys at Pairi Daiza explore their outdoor habitat.

A new chapter of discovery

20 June 2025

It is now possible to observe the Golden Monkeys, these living treasures, in their lush outdoor habitat at Pairi Daiza. After nearly 7 weeks of acclimatization and attentive care, Pairi Daiza is delighted to announce the end of the quarantine period for the three Golden Monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) who arrived on May 14 from China.

A Highly Anticipated Moment

Despite the quarantine, the public wasn’t completely deprived of seeing them: through the pavilion’s glass panels, visitors were regularly able to catch glimpses of the playful antics of these monkeys, but visitors are looking forward to watching them outside.

It is a moving moment for the Park’s teams, who had been preparing for this outing for weeks while awaiting the green light from Belgian health authorities.

“The end of quarantine marks more than the conclusion of a health protocol: it's the beginning of a new chapter of discovery and commitment to life. These Golden Monkeys are ambassadors of hope — hope for a world where wild beauty is preserved through international cooperation, knowledge, and love of biodiversity.” — Yang Liu, Golden Monkey veterinarian and caretaker at Pairi Daiza

During quarantine, Liu Yun (male, 6), Lu Lu (female, 7), and Juan Juan (female, 4) received constant care from the caretakers and veterinarians at Pairi Daiza, working closely with Chinese experts.

Catetakers and vets ensured their health and diet were closely monitored daily. Chinese caretakers had even traveled from China to accompany the primates and advise the Park’s team, ensuring a smooth transition. Several times a day, the team monitored their well-being through behavioral tracking, tailored nutrition, and daily enrichment to stimulate them.

Quickly, a harmonious dynamic could be observed within the trio: Liu Yun, observant and protective, engaged in frequent, rich interactions with the two females, including play, mutual grooming, and complex vocalizations. These positive behaviors reflect successful acclimatization and a strong social bond — essential for the balance of this precious species. This time away from public view helped establish a close-knit, confident group ready to explore their vast outdoor environment today.

Open-Air

In their more than 600 m² outdoor environment — inspired by the Chinese mountain landscapes — the three Golden Monkeys are beginning to explore with curiosity and agility: swinging across robinia wood suspension bridges, exploring traditional pavilions, the iconic Moon Gate, and a rope tunnel that lets them cross the river.

Bathed in natural light, their shimmering fur, rich social interactions, and unique vocalizations make every moment in their presence deeply moving. Thanks to an immersive viewing zone designed to respect their peace, the public becomes a privileged witness to an animal world still largely unknown.

Should they need it, the animals always have access to their nearly 150 m² indoor territory.

A Long-Term International Conservation Project

This end of quarantine marks a major step in the ten-year strategic partnership signed in December 2024 between Pairi Daiza and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). The goal: to preserve this emblematic species, classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), through a breeding and awareness program.

Any offspring born under this program will be transferred to China at five years old to help strengthen their population.

With the end of this quarantine and full access to their new habitat, Pairi Daiza offers the public a unique opportunity to closely observe these legendary monkeys — a meeting that was once unimaginable outside of China. The Belgian “Garden of Worlds” thus confirms its pioneering role, turning international scientific collaboration into a concrete experience of wonder and biodiversity awareness.