In the lush hills of Chongqing's Tongjing Scenic Area, a unique commander is preparing to hand over his troops. 🐒 For 18 years, Yang Yongliu, affectionately known as the "Monkey Commander" by netizens, has been the guardian of hundreds of macaques, but as 2026 unfolds, retirement calls.
Starting in 2008 with just 70-80 primates, Yang's dedication has seen the troop flourish to over 300 today—a true reflection of the area's improving ecology. 🌳 His daily grind? A 7 a.m. start, calling the monkeys down for feeding, cleaning their reserve, and playing diplomat to remind tourists not to tease his furry charges. Talk about a full-time gig that's kept up 365 days a year!
Now, at 59, with retirement on the horizon, Yang cherishes every sunrise with the macaques even more. His story isn't just about animal care; it's a vibe of commitment and how human effort can boost nature's comeback. 🙌
So, here's to the Monkey Commander—a true legend in conservation whose legacy will swing on! 👏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
