Dhaka, Oct. 26 -- Endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys from China have made their European debut, with the rare primates now serving as global envoys much like the country's celebrated giant pandas.

Two European zoos - Beauval Zoo in France and Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium - recently received three golden monkeys each on decade-long conservation loans backed by Chinese authorities. The initiative marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and France, and strengthens scientific cooperation on wildlife protection, officials said.

The striking monkeys, known for their vivid orange fur and pale blue faces, are native to the cold mountain forests of central China. After a month of quarantine, they were introduced to the public and ar...