(Chester Zoo via SWNS)
By Ed Chatterton
Adorable photos show a rare baby monkey, the size of a golf ball’ clinging to its parents for a cuddle after being born at a UK zoo.
Conservationists are celebrating the birth of the rare coppery titi monkey at Chester Zoo – the first of its kind to be born there in 94 years.
Zookeepers spotted the baby clinging to the back of its parents Scout and Ned during their early morning checks last month.
It’s the first time one of the rare South American monkeys has ever been born at the zoo in Cheshire.
The tiny youngster, described as the ‘size of a golf ball,’ will grow to stand at around 30cm tall once fully developed.
Holly Webb, primate keeper at Chester Zoo, said: “It’s always a joy to welcome any new addition, but the birth of the very first coppery titi monkey here at Chester Zoo is an extra special moment.
“Right now, the baby is no bigger than a golf ball – but it’s bright-eyed, healthy and already full of confidence, clinging tightly as mum and dad as they leap through the treetops.
“One of the most fascinating things about titi monkeys is their parenting behaviour, with dads playing a really active role in raising their young.
(Chester Zoo via SWNS)
“It’s dad Ned who is doing most of the carrying, while mum Scout steps in for nursing and to give Ned a well-earned rest.
“With the baby still so tiny and tucked firmly into its parents’ fur, it’ll be a few more weeks until it begins to explore on its own.
“Once it starts venturing out, we’ll be able to determine whether it’s male or female and then choose the perfect name for this precious new arrival.
“Their strong co-parenting bond, alongside their incredible social lives and small stature, is what makes this species so incredibly fascinating.
“But they face an uncertain future in the wild, with increasing pressures from logging and the illegal pet trade.
“We’re hopeful though, that this family unit will grow over time and continue to play a vital role in the conservation breeding program that’s safeguarding the species.”
Zookeepers say the baby will soon start to branch out and begin to explore on its own, which is when they’ll discover if it’s male or female.
Scout and Ned are part of an international conservation breeding program that’s working to safeguard the species.
Deforestation, hunting for bushmeat and the illegal wildlife trade are causing populations to decline, according to The International Union for Nature (IUCN).
Coppery titi monkeys are known for their striking red fur and bushy tails, as well as their lifelong pair bonds.
They are monogamous and are renowned for their loud vocalizations -performed at dawn by male and female pairs to mark their territory.