Talk about a challenge: The Los Angeles Zoo paid $4,500 to an expert in the ancient Chinese art of feng shui to ensure three endangered golden monkeys on loan from China can have a strong life force.

Consulting the feng shui expert was part of the cost for a $7.4 million enclosure for the golden monkeys debuting at the zoo later this year. Feng shui focuses on balance in design to promote health and happiness.

The art is in demand among high-end architects and interior designers, but feng shui expert Simona Mainini of Beverly Hills says the zoo’s effort may be a first in animal enclosure design.

“It’s very experimental,” Mainini says. “We don’t have any books on feng shui for monkeys. We just have to assume that Darwin is correct and that there is a connection and what is good for humans is good for monkeys.”

source : www.orlandosentinel.com