Mystery Monkeys of Shangri-La - Go Wild

Strangely beautiful. As endangered as the Giant panda. Charismatic, but elusive - until now. This is the first time that the rare Black and White snub-nosed monkeys are thoroughly documented.
The far eastern corner of the Himalayas has been cut off from the modern world for centuries. In Yunnan Province, China, rumours of monkeys living at an altitude of 4,000 metres were only confirmed in the 1960s, and first filmed in the 1980s by a famous Chinese photographer, Xi Zhinong.
30 years on, and Xi Zhinong has brought together an ambitious two-year filming team, with two young cameramen, a scientist, rangers, porters, and half a ton of equipment and provisions. They set off over Himalayan passes, then descended into extraordinary deep valleys, like hidden gardens of birds and flowers, surrounded by mile-high walls.
The monkeys are odd looking, with upside-down noses, huge red lips and haunting almond eyes. They are famously calm and gentle. Each family has a big male who protects up to five mothers and their young. In spring, the camera team is able to film a newborn snub-nosed monkey for the first time, and later discover he is one of two half-brothers in the family. Each baby has its mother, but each mother is different. One baby is cossetted with care, the other often forgotten. He is left to the rest of the family to look after.
This prince-and-pauper story is unique and important, so the team decides to follow the two half-brothers. At nine months old, tragedy strikes when bachelor males attack the family. They kill the father, and split up the mothers. The little prince is safe, but the neglected baby has been abandoned by his mother again, thrown out of the family, and now must fend for himself. It’s midwinter, snowing, and the team assumes he will die. Yet, the little monkey shows an incredible toughness, and wins the hearts, not only of the team, but also of the dangerous bachelor males. For the next six months, the orphan spends his time searching for his mother and his lost playmate.
Snub-nosed monkeys are known for being particularly co-operative, and look after each other in a way that seems almost Buddhist. This is a story of friendship, love and loss, seen in part through the eyes of cameraman Jacky Poon, with the local Tibetan Buddhist monks providing a philosophical backdrop.
The orphaned baby finds his mother in spring, only to be rejected again. He is reunited with his playmate, only to lose him again as well when a new baby arrives in the family. Tragedy and redemption follow the story to its natural end.
This film is an extraordinary first and unique document of a rare and beautiful monkey, and a moving family drama. It reveals unknown science and ancient insight in equal measure.

[@santosayala7939]

Mr. Xi Zhinong, what you have recorded is amazing, and I respect that you have battled the harsh weather to bring the world this documentary of these BEAUTIFUL Snub-nose Monkeys. I believe this is something no one has done before, and you deserve an award for it. I'm the kind of person who loves all kinds of animals and this documentary you filmed is one that I wouldn't even think about missing. I want to thank you for the hard, tough, and courageous work to go out in that beautiful place, and I know that it wasn't easy to do what you did. I thank you a million times for bringing us this awesome documentary. Thank you so much.

[@MaureenPrice-ob1fk]

O my what an amazing documentary many thanks to all involved

[@Laliquedragonfly]

I love this video.

[@BuckeyeNan]

Great comment! Exactly what I came here to write. I see this man carrying this very large camera around and on his back at times. Without this documentary so much beauty our world has to offer and would have been hidden if not for this camera man and the others on his team.

[@sassysister8552]

By far the best documentary on these precious animals, heaven-like scenery .. It was all captured, I even cried for the abandoned and sad it ended I could of kept watching - thank you to everyone involved in creating this ❤

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

That was a beautiful story. Amazing production and presentation! The cameramen. Scientist and whole team are to be commended for all their hard work and conservation efforts. It’s amazing how they were able to get the footage that they did. BRAVO! ❤

[@suzihimes1974]

WONDERFUL Video on the Shangi-La and the Beautiful Monkeys. The Monks, yak butter, etc-Great Video, felt like I was there! Thank you

[@mariemorgan7759]

Finally I get to see Shangri-la! Fantastic cinematography!💕🙏

[@amyschillings7864]

This was the most amazing documentary that I have ever seen and the scenery is so beautiful!! And the species of the monkeys are so interesting and adorable!! I've watched this twice and I'm still mesmerized as the first time I watched it!! Thank you for making me forget about my troubles for awhile!! Beautiful job! 😍

[@AutismMaMa123]

Just started it and gonna watch because of this comment 😅

[@amyschillings7864]

@BannappleVideoEffects You're going to love it!! I'm watching it again right now

[@mello3214]

This was a beautiful sweet and precious film! Thanks so much for sharing this amazing documentary!

[@MissouriPenny]

Amazing thanks for sharing. Watching from Arkansas USA 🇺🇸

[@Judithestears]

What an incredible story. This production was phenomenon! Thank you so much. ❤❤❤

[@loranelson6359]

I loved watching this. The men who filmed this are to be congratulated. Thank you.

[@countrystrong3848]

Ive watched this documentary film several times and you can feel your love and respet for these precious animals. Humans have done so much damage to these and many others like them. Its pitiful, really pitiful. Thankful to you for this beautiful insight into their gorgeous lives.

[@lisaconklin5094]

Oh my gosh, such a truly wonderful video and narration. Excellently done. The photography was magnificent. Thank you for bringing this to us. I've never seen any of this. I feel especially close to the little abandoned baby. My dad died when i was 6 yrs old and my mom left me to take care of my 2 baby siblings while she looked for work and ended up working 2 jobs... then we ended up in foster homes. So this video really hit home for me. Thanks to all those others involved with the production of an awesome video story. Beautiful peaceful scenery. I thought i didn't like monkeys from the other violent ones, but i really love these gentle ones. Their little faces are sooooooo cute too. ❤🙏🦋🕊🪻🌷

[@stefanschleps8758]

See God in everything, including yourself. Peace.

[@yvonnebeltran6954]

🕊♥️🕊God Bless You,Lisaconklin5094 🌹I totally Agree The narration is awesome such a kind voice yes indeed so very peaceful I pray to see more of this Teams Great work

[@thomasmacginnes100]

All monkeys have the capacity of Love/Compassion and Hurt !! It will always be Our Capacity to Give Love and be Open to receive it back again that shall make it be so..

[@amgguy4319]

This is truly one of the most beautiful wonderful inspiring stories I have ever seen. The geography, these rare monkeys, what happens in the family, the tribe, between the half-brothers literally is the most stunningly amazing story. So beautiful I have been permanently changed.

[@fghjyt]

Разве может бытьпрекрасная история с обезьянами, с тварями ?

[@johndavis9829]

😅

[@louishefner-cu2nk]

This is one of the best films I've seen, thank you for all the hard work that was put in to creating this amazing film

[@frederickastarr9771]

Thank you for sharing this amazing video, I watched it twice, the narration is wonderful, too! Captivating and beautiful, indeed as pua hihiu said, thank you.

[@shellyhudson1631]

These look like the golden snub nose monkeys without any color. This is also one of the only monkeys that provides milk to all the young not just hers or one she adopted. That's amazing in itself. Other species would flog a baby that tried to nurse. Many die if their mother dies or rejects them or has no milk. They bond in the first week and normally babies wouldn't even latch on to another females breast because they go by smell. It's amazing to be learning about monkeys like these. Not macaques, spider monkeys, velvet, howler, baboons, mandrils,or any of the small small ones. I'm so happy to being in the middle of this story! I hope for more after!

[@EmmaDee]

Well fortunately we were shown different here then what you wanted from Cambodia.

[@guccibreard]

😂 LOL! What you wanted from Cambodia! Love it!

[@marioholcomb6029]

Others have milk but don't have babies?? Weird 😮

[@helix1061]

Amazing that they display so many human characteristics. Superimposed with their wildness. Glad I'm a lifelong vegetarian.

[@soplayet73]

Got to be one of , if not , the best documentary I have seen here on You Tube. Maybe it was the story line? The orphans father passing was unfortunate, but it just made the orphan grow up that much faster. We humans need to emulate the Snub nose culture. Maybe then the talks of war would subside. Great peace as I enjoyed every second of it.

[@daves3259]

What an absolutely fantastic documentary! The videography, narration, everything about it was beautifully done. Thank you so much for your efforts and bringing these beautiful primates to our attention!

[@mommieminnesota3108]

I know I absolutely love monkeys and these little ones are just absolutely gorgeous

[@dereklippincott2803]

Perhaps the leader of the bachelor group was abandoned by his mother/family in a similar way as the little orphan in this story. There is no way of knowing for sure, however it would explain why he is so gentle, nice and helpful.

[@jeanettegiannelli6250]

Bravo!!!!! How you did this incredible is unbelievable to me. Your devotion is to be admired. Keep these videos coming.❤

[@dsoutherland1747]

What wonderful photography. I escaped to Shangri-La, if only through the video. It is so relaxing and spiritual. That scenery is breathtaking. The monkeys are physically beautiful, as well as cute. Those baby brothers will be together for all of their lives, and the orphan now has a family. It was difficult but he toughed it out. 🌸🌼 🐒🐵 🌺🌻

[@The1SilverShadow]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, was beautifully produced and atmospheric, I could watch another one with this same team just now

[@mjkay8660]

this is truly an amazing story. jw and arroz share stories of monkey hill in china with the various troops thru several generations. the serenity & beautiful landscape of china is wonderful to see.

[@whaleoilbeefhooked907]

Just been reading some of the comments and I agree with all. The best I’ve seen. Thank you so much for this fantastic upload.

[@mjkay8660]

we owe so much to dedicated camera people as they are so patient to wait & film. i have seen videos of monkeys grooming a boar, a mom walking away from a newborn, sterilized females kidnapping babies and even moms killing the babies or stealing food from the babies pouches. the animal kingdom is not often kind and far too many try to make pets of undomesticated animals, but they learn quickly why animals are animals. always enjoy but never interfere.

[@dougsharpbest9576]

One the best documentaries I've ever watched , beautifully done and what incredibly gorgeous primate , thank you for giving me a glimpse into that wonderful part of our world and its creatures that I had no idea existed. Thank You

[@judyplemons3209]

Thank you so much for giving me a glimpse of what life is and how we should treat each other. I am amazed at how beautiful the world can be.

[@louisevee7542]

Great story telling. Heartfelt. Keep up the good work!!

[@hectorskmetija3015]

This was brilliant, thank you. I welled up a couple of times for the little outcast, hope he goes on to live a happy long life 🥰

[@Sirianstar10]

This was awesome. Great work. Thank you.

[@samanthaburd586]

1 man's passion has brought us education. Thank you so much!

[@sarwatmandkhan141]

No doubt the most watched content on social media is always relates to wildlife as it's the most natural, innocent and attractive world indeed. ❣️♥️❤️👍

[@sarariachy8473]

Since I’ve watched , monkey’s videos it’s the first time I see this beautiful species They are so cute and cooperative especially for the left one. Thx for your hard work I’ll trying to follow their story. Take care and be safe 💐❤️

[@marciaanderson9938]

What a brilliant documentary. Full of incredible beauty and there is an appreciation for these special monkeys that evokes great tenderness and understanding. Thank you.

[@sherryfalcon-poitra8813]

One of the best documentaries I've ever watched.. thee best ever. Thank you for taking me on a very special trip. I can't say it enough but a very heartfelt thanks with genuine interest in your film. I know my grandbabies who are 6 and 2 will be watching it with this grandma this weekend. I loved it, thanks to you all

[@gloriahenson2881]

Do everything you can to save the monkeys I love monkeys I have since I was a child now I’m 72 and I still love monkeys. I love them till I die. Thank you for making this video.

[@gordwilkes]

Remarkable document… terrific camera work and narrative…

[@alanatolstad4824]

Powerful story. Thanx to all for bringing it to us.

[@olevaiti4302]

Thank you for this video. If monkeys can live in peace together, why must people have fights and wars all the time?

[@SlowWalkingMohairSam]

Thank you for taking me into a world I would otherwise never know. Captivating and beautiful. I soon got attached to the little orphan feeling fearful and tense that he wasn't gonna make it. So relieved that he did. What hit me the most, is, it showed me that primates babies are not the only ones abandoned by their mothers. It happens in the animal kingdom as it does in the human race.

[@darlasmith]

❤❤

[@Mytube777]

Omg yes! It sure does. It happens must too much in any species.

[@kiki29073]

Monkeys do this when they think either something is wrong with the baby or they think it will take up too much resources from the mom or troop.

[@wendi-bnkywuv]

Humans are primates so that doesn't surprise me.

[@halinas1858]

Film piekny ale nie mowicie z jakiego kraju 😮😢❤❤❤

[@beccac6451]

thank you for this documentary. I really enjoyed it. Those snubbed nose monkey's are so adorable. I am so glad they are tucked away so far that people cannot get to them easy enough to poach them. I cannot believe that mother just left her little one to go with another troop. So sad but glad the others keep him safe and alive.

[@monicaalvin8239]

Thank you so much for this wonderfull film. A world to learn about and to protect❤

[@thailandwild4897]

Wow... a stunning story. I film macaques and leaf monkeys here in Thailand, and watching this movie really makes me realise how much I appreciate the constant warmth.

[@guccibreard]

❤ Yes! I recognize you! You're doing such a great job! Your videos are amazing!

[@snr9365]

This was excellent! I especially liked seeing the crew and what they went through to get such incredible footage.

[@kimberlycorliss9616]

Great documentary. Very educational and moving.

[@lovechild528]

Thank you so much for doing this!!❤

[@lianefehrle9921]

I have seen this a long time ago and enjoyed watching this again

[@kellyharper367]

Beautiful work!

[@lyric8006]

This was an extraordinary video. The filming, narration and storytelling is superb. I wish there could be a part 2.

[@debmac5284]

I really enjoyed that Doco thank you for the post, I will watch more of your posts once again thank you

[@91088]

Amazing story, thank you for sharing. ❤

[@blueranger9092]

What a brave orphan, I'm sure he will be their leader one day... Life forced him to grow up at the age where other monkey still suckle. Thank to all the crew, you all introduce new meaning for us, new meaning of life

[@denisepi8278]

Loved this Doco ---- thank-you

[@katharinavon-schobel-rabic4182]

What a wonderful report! Thank you!

[@carylekippen3498]

This is an awesome documentary . Those little monies are resilient and so adorable . I hope their habitat is protected always ❤️

[@olabaskerville]

What a fascinating documentary! Thank you so much❣️

[@rustyshackleford6927]

Pretty sure the “prince” killed the new baby so he could go back to getting all the attention… but that trick only works once…

[@yuuwhoo]

It's hard to say anything but wow! What photography, what courage to go where you all did, what empathy for animals of all kinds. One minute I was smiling, next frowning, next laughing at the antics of the cast out half brother, then tears when I thought he was going to die. What a range of emotions from this old dinosaur from the United States - 75 years old and born with a crossed eye - in a very very small way identifying with the Pirate King with his damaged eye. Ok, ok, I'm not a pirate just a cranky old man sometimes. Anyway, a fantastic documentary. Thank you.

[@bhavanayadava5585]

wonderful work !! I heart melted everytime I saw the orphaned baby

[@daniellearnett6643]

The experience dedication and love of the team showed in this documenrty, well done !I hope it remains as remote and beautiful for a million more years . man's egotistical reputation for destroying all that is beautiful on this planet preceeds his conscience.

[@allisonlaceyburns]

magically , spectacularly done !! thank you ❤❤️❤️❤️

[@teestjulian]

That was 1 of the best monkey documentaries I've watched ... thank you

[@yvonneconte3040]

Love these snub nose monkeys. Beautiful photography. Videography. Thanks for sharing with the world. USA 🇺🇸

[@colleen36]

Awesome program

[@natureoncommand]

The spoiled prince having a tantrum 😂. So cute!! But there is so much more… the abandoned monkey and the baby that doesn’t make it! So much hardship… This is an incredible and beautiful story! It’s bringing awareness.. Family and friends… Love and friendship…. Keep up the good work!

[@victoriafisher6934]

Maybe when brother played with baby it hurt him somehow handled too rough!

[@kathryncook5048]

The most beautiful documentary, I couldn’t stop watching. Loved it and Thankyou for an amazing look into the lives of these funny, loyal an so special little monkeys 💜💜💜In Australia

[@VA4LVRS]

This is very informative and thank you. Also thank you for not getting in there territory and showing respect them

[@cutenicely4766]

❤❤❤❤wow amazing ..most beautiful documentary....keep it up good work🤝

[@josephinemitchell9504]

Really enjoyed this.

[@jandedick7519]

Love this documentary. This is the second time I’ve happened on it. There’s also a great documentary on The Golden Snub nose monkey.

[@colleensgotcha]

Thank you I really enjoyed this video to let us take a look at these places we will never be able to see. also letting people know how important it is to not remove the habitat that is so important to the creatures out there!

[@cyncyoung11]

What a wonderful story. Thanks for filming it. It is very inspiring.

[@cliviag1602]

thank you for an amazing documentary

[@MissouriPenny]

What an captivating video .wow .incredible world we share .

[@Gallop4Me]

This was mesmerizing. Great job!!!!!

[@glendafaye55]

Thank you so much for sharing. Beautiful.

[@pamfrank3962]

Wonderful documentary 👏 ❤️ Exceptional

[@zabriabubakar5982]

"sometimes they do seem like old movie stars with too much plastic surgery" that is so so true......

[@Lena-ui7wb]

What an incredible programme ❤

[@syedmaricar9946]

Wonderful information to watch.❤

[@monkeyscorner]

Great Video!

[@tobyihli9470]

Congratulations on a very nice piece of work, really!

[@DorothyShioura]

Thank you Tom & Lay - always the best 💛☘️❤️🦄⭐️

[@ShaiShai1]

Love this. I’ve been curious about the snub nosed monkeys for a long time nice to see the region and the locals. The father is truly a great dad.

[@ShaiShai1]

Rip 😭

[@ShaiShai1]

Idk these monkeys are so emotionally intelligent it has me thinking that spoiled monkey killed the baby on purpose, he got all the attention back and he got to suckle again

[@kelitamiles7270]

Yes he had his neck between the branches and pulling on him and when she came to take him it snapped his neck. When they all huddled all he wanted was milk even on top of the dead baby

[@user-cc1vw1lc7p]

WOW. What a wonderful touching and educating footage! It is just perfect! At least to me❣ WOW

[@biancanagy3342]

Thank you! What beautiful monkeys,. I am so happy for the orphan monkey in the end. And thank you for opening people's eyes to these gentle monkeys,. May the Chinese government look after them . I will keep them in my prayers...🙏😔

[@LirpaV-cn7wm]

This is my new favorite content on youtube🎉🎉

[@DanielC__]

What a FANTASTIC film. Thanks

[@maryreynolds5310]

Well done to the camera crew, and doing your very best to make a difference. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers, hopes that these creatures of our land who just as we have a right to be here, they are given back their rights and freedom! Time is certainly running out, it’s most definitely getting worse. So it’s important that we help all these babies and their families…it’s so so important! God bless these little critters 🙏

[@deeannap2626]

Heaven on earth,, so enchanted thank you so much to film crew and the team🙏

[@m.l.1568]

Eine sehr schöne Reportage über diese süßen Affen 👍 Ich hoffe, dass sie in diesem entlegenen Teil der Welt weiterhin überleben können 👍

[@tammypowers7497]

I loved this. Gorgeous film.

[@highhighway]

Wonderful documentary...

[@dsoutherland1747]

This documentary is excellent with its superb photography.

[@joecontreras5068]

Awesome job You deserve an award….seriously

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Cool. I love these vids.

[@kathrynrobertson7923]

Touching! We have much to learn from each other! Thank you!

[@FANLIZable]

This video is so beautiful, wish I could watch more like this ❤