'Monkey King' cares for his primate pals

But in recent years, Xiangxi prefecture has reviewed mining operations and even closed some of them. The mountain, which once echoed to the sound of coal carts, has quieted down again.

After leaving his mining job, Shi chose to stay on the mountain to feed the monkeys whenever they were short of food, especially on rainy and snowy days.

After spending so much time with his monkey friends, Shi can quickly identify each of them. He has even given some of the macaques names.

"This is Older Sister and that one is Younger Sister. They always appear together," he said.