Last year, Species Unite helped save Malaysian orangutans from being sent around the world as political pawns through our successful campaign to stop “orangutan diplomacy” in its tracks.
Now, another species of primate needs our help before they become the next widely exploited victims of international relations they know nothing about. China is expanding upon its already cruel and controversial “panda diplomacy” model—this time with Golden snub-nosed monkeys.
Native to the cold mountain forests of central China, Golden snub-nosed monkeys live in tight-knit family units and share strong emotional bonds. They huddle together for warmth and protection, keeping their young safe at the center of the group. Females even nurse and care for each other’s babies.
China’s plan to send these endangered monkeys abroad comes with a deeply inhumane condition: any babies born in foreign zoos must be sent back to China. This would tear young monkeys from their families, causing severe emotional trauma to both parents and offspring.
This new form of “animal diplomacy” is already underway—three Golden snub-nosed monkeys have arrived at Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium, and another three were sent to France’s Beauval Zoo earlier this year. These six individuals are the only Golden snub-nosed monkeys currently outside Asia. We must ensure they are the last.
These endangered primates—like their orangutan cousins in Malaysia—deserve protection in the wild, not exploitation in captivity. China should focus on conservation in their natural habitat, not use yet another species as a political tool at the expense of their wellbeing.

Take Action Now

Please join Species Unite in calling on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) to urge their member institutions not to participate in this new form of animal diplomacy or accept any Golden snub-nosed monkeys from China.