Four endangered Barbary macaques have been born at Trentham Monkey Forest as this year’s baby season gets under way.
The tiny new arrivals were discovered by staff during morning feeds, clinging tightly to their mothers high in the trees.
The Monkey Forest, which is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques across 60 acres of woodland, says the births are an important milestone for the endangered species, with fewer than 8,000 believed to remain in the wild across Morocco and Algeria.
Staff say baby season is always one of the most exciting times of the year, with newborn monkeys often appearing overnight after females retreat quietly to their sleeping areas.
Visitors can sometimes spot babies that are only hours old during their first day in the forest.
Park director Matt Lovatt said: “Baby season is an incredible time of year. The little ones are hugely popular, not just with visitors but with the monkeys themselves.
“Barbary macaques are especially unique because many of the males help care for the babies too – something that’s quite rare amongst primates.
“We’re thrilled baby season has begun and we’re expecting more arrivals very soon. The babies will grow up surrounded by their family groups, learning natural behaviours from day one in the incredible environment they live in here at the forest.”
Since opening in 2005, the conservation attraction has welcomed more than 100 baby monkeys.
Alongside caring for the monkeys in Staffordshire, the team also supports conservation organisations working in Morocco and Algeria to help protect wild Barbary macaques and other threatened primates.
Took the family on 3rd May and had the privilege of catching a glimpse of a newborn just a few hours old (possibly the first of the season). A tiny bundle of black clutched tightly to mum’s chest!