Rare primate species put under the microscope

Safari park looks to become global center for genetic research

A wildlife park in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, is positioning itself at the forefront of primate gene research after successfully helping to raise dozens of the rarely-seen animals.

Chimelong Safari Park is now home to more than 60 primate species, from African chimpanzees and black-and-white colobuses to China's own golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Over the past few years, successful breeding programs have resulted in the births of 10 orangutans, which are native to Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as eight chimpanzees and 15 of the endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys, which can only be found in the wild in parts of Sichuan, Gansu and Hubei provinces.

Dong Guixin, a veterinarian and general director of the park, credited this success to a comprehensive breeding program that carefully monitors the animal's diet, health and living environment.

"We have made great efforts to provide comfortable living conditions and make the animals feel at home," he said.

"Our park is capable of contributing much to genetic research on primates, given that we have helped successfully raise many monkeys and apes outside of their natural environment."

According to Dong, more than 150 primates are born in the safari park each year - making it China's premier man-made habitat for the animals and allowing it to become a center for global research.

"More international scientists and scientific research institutions will be invited to conduct research at the park," he said, adding that a virus testing room and nutrition center would soon be built to facilitate these efforts.

"Research of the primate gene pool will be of great importance in future as we seek to protect and conserve these animals."

To help promote conservation and in recognition of the significant role monkeys play in Chinese culture, the park opened a new route on Thursday for visitors who come during the Spring Festival holiday period, which begins on Feb 8 and heralds the arrival of the Year of the Monkey.

"China has a long tradition and association with the monkey," said Dong. "Visitors to our park can build closer relations with these animals by interacting and sharing blessings with their primate cousins inside the park."

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn