Reviews to protect at-risk species

Inspections nationwide will be conducted on all zoos and animal parks that house endangered species, such as giant pandas, tigers and snub-nosed monkeys, to ensure that the animals are well cared for, according to a top wildlife official.

Wang Weisheng, deputy director of wildlife conservation and nature reserve management at the State Forestry Administration, said in an exclusive interview the checks will be conducted by a team of wildlife specialists.

"If a zoo or wildlife park fails to meet our technical criteria, we will suspend it from keeping and displaying endangered animals," he said.