In general, I am not sure if we should be happy with the state of affairs where commercial enterprises like Chimelong with their eyes more on commercial selling power (than any conservation ethic) and vice versa the state zoos that remain somewhat under-resourced.
Chimelong Safari Park however has really achieved some remarkable breeding results with species even deemed difficult to breed elsewhere.
But I guess, baboon and others locally may be better qualified to make a good judgement on this.
In general, I am not sure if we should be happy with the state of affairs where commercial enterprises like Chimelong with their eyes more on commercial selling power (than any conservation ethic) and vice versa the state zoos that remain somewhat under-resourced.
Chimelong Safari Park however has really achieved some remarkable breeding results with species even deemed difficult to breed elsewhere.
But I guess, baboon and others locally may be better qualified to make a good judgement on this.
In my opinion, on the positive side, as Chimelong is one of the best managed and designed zoos in China, the existence of it can stimulate other zoos to improve themselves by showing the citizens what a good exhibit should be. For example, Guangzhou Zoo, which locates in the same city with Chimelong, is making great renovations during these years. Secondly, Chimelong also stimulates the state zoos to work more efficiently, as Chamelong is less bureaucracy, pays their keepers more than state zoos, and accepts the advanced techniques and ideas much more quickly.
On the negative side, Chimelong indeed pays too much attention on money. I hate their project of making white tigers, although within recent years they seem to want to reduce their white tiger numbers and use them to exchange some really fatanstic species, such as binturongs from Nanning Zoo, chevrotains and tufted grey langurs from Sri Lanka. Moreover, although Chimelong Safari Park is a very good zoo itself, the Chimelong Company also runs one of the biggest circus on the world, which is unbearable. Thirdly, Chimelong don't take part in any in-situ conservation program, and it seems that they also don't pay much attention on the subspecies distinction when they bred animals.
Anyway, I think Chimelong Safari Park is the best designed and managed zoo and the most advanced zoo in China, is also one of the most worth-visiting zoo in China, but can not be said a responsible zoo. But most other private-run "Safari parks" or "Wild animal parks" in China are very evil places and show no mercy on their animals, I hate them. Chimelong Safari Park is among the few private zoos I think is good.
