Golden monkey babies in Belgium named Zhenzhen, Xi Le

Three Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys and baby golden monkeys enjoy food during a 100-day ceremony for the two babies at the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, on July 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

BRUSSELS, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A naming ceremony for a pair of baby golden snub-nosed monkeys was held on Thursday at Pairi Daiza zoo, Belgium. The monkeys, who are both females, were born 100 days ago, and have now been officially named Zhenzhen and Xi Le.

Pairi Daiza said the names were selected through a vote that attracted more than 8,600 netizens. Zhenzhen in Chinese means gentle, beautiful and precious as a pearl, while Xi Le expresses the wish for a life filled with joy and happiness.

Eric Domb, founder and chairman of Pairi Daiza, told Xinhua that he appreciates the Chinese tradition of celebrating 100 days after a baby's birth, as it reflects respect and care for life.

"I was happy to explain that behind these two names are thousands of years of civilization. Golden monkeys are a wonderful way for us to show the beauty of the Chinese culture," he said.

Domb applauded China's long-term approach to wildlife conservation, adding that he hoped the birth of the two baby monkeys will mark a new starting point for closer cooperation between the two countries.

Pairi Daiza continues to work as a partner to China in its golden monkey conservation efforts, with cooperation currently focused mainly on breeding and scientific exchanges. This includes sharing experience with Chinese experts on animal care, nutrition and behavioral observation.

In 2025, one male and two female golden monkeys arrived in Belgium from northwest China's Shaanxi Province, launching a 10-year conservation cooperation program between China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and Pairi Daiza. Zhenzhen and Xi Le are the first two baby golden monkeys bred at the zoo.

Under the cooperation arrangement, golden monkeys bred in Belgium will return to China in the future.

This photo shows Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys and a baby monkey at the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, on July 23, 2026. The Pairi Daiza zoo on Thursday revealed the names of two baby Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys born here during a 100-day ceremony held for them. The two baby golden monkeys were named Zhen Zhen and Xi Le.

In May 2025, three rare Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys arrived at the zoo under a 10-year lease agreement. The trio of Qinling golden monkeys were airlifted from northwest China's Shaanxi Province as part of a scientific cooperation pact between China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and the zoo. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Tourists watch Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys at the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, on July 23, 2026. The Pairi Daiza zoo on Thursday revealed the names of two baby Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys born here during a 100-day ceremony held for them. The two baby golden monkeys were named Zhen Zhen and Xi Le.

In May 2025, three rare Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys arrived at the zoo under a 10-year lease agreement. The trio of Qinling golden monkeys were airlifted from northwest China's Shaanxi Province as part of a scientific cooperation pact between China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and the zoo. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

This photo shows three Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys and two baby monkeys at the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, on July 23, 2026. The Pairi Daiza zoo on Thursday revealed the names of two baby Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys born here during a 100-day ceremony held for them. The two baby golden monkeys were named Zhen Zhen and Xi Le.

In May 2025, three rare Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys arrived at the zoo under a 10-year lease agreement. The trio of Qinling golden monkeys were airlifted from northwest China's Shaanxi Province as part of a scientific cooperation pact between China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and the zoo. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

This photo shows two Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys and a baby monkey at the Pairi Daiza zoo in Brugelette, Belgium, on July 23, 2026. The Pairi Daiza zoo on Thursday revealed the names of two baby Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys born here during a 100-day ceremony held for them. The two baby golden monkeys were named Zhen Zhen and Xi Le.

In May 2025, three rare Chinese golden snub-nosed monkeys arrived at the zoo under a 10-year lease agreement. The trio of Qinling golden monkeys were airlifted from northwest China's Shaanxi Province as part of a scientific cooperation pact between China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and the zoo. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)