Three baby Barbary macaque monkeys born in Staffordshire
The trio are high up in the trees at Trentham Monkey Forest
Three endangered baby Barbary macaque monkeys have been born high up in the trees at Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire.
It's thought there are fewer than 8,000 of them left in the wild.
The Staffordshire woodland is home to 140 free roaming Barbary macaque monkeys, where the 3 social groups thrive within the 60-acre forest all-year-round.
For the past few months, the park says it has been observing a few monkeys from afar to see who a potential monkey mum might be.
Pregnancy is only confirmed once nature takes its course, and a proud mum brings her precious bundle down with her for a spot of breakfast. This is usually a lovely surprise for the monkey team and lucky visitors, during a day in the late spring / early summer.
Head guide Anna Smith went to feed the monkeys their breakfast during the last week of May and to her delight, was pleasantly surprised to notice 3 precious baby Barbary macaques that had been born during the night, high up in the trees, as they would in the wild.
Baby Barbary macaques are born with adorable pink faces, black fur and can usually be seen to be clinging tight to mum for love and support during their first hours on earth.
Head Guide Anna said
“Since 2005, this conservation project for Barbary macaques has been successful in prolonging the survival of this fascinating yet unique species. For 20 years, it has been a privilege to witness babies arrive and each year is as exciting as the last. When the girls are born, they grow up with their friends and families then hopefully go on to have babies of their own to love and cherish. It’s wonderful to discover the baby monkeys and an absolute privilege to see them thrive in our unique woodland”.
Park Director Matt Lovatt added:
“We’re beaming from ear-to-ear now that baby season has begun. We hope to see between 6-10 births each year, the new arrivals will be looked after by their fellow group members and start learning the fascinating Barbary macaque way of life from the very first day of their lives due to the incredible environment of which they live. That is truly special and something we’re incredibly proud of. We can’t wait to see who’s next to be welcomed into the world, as we expect more babies to arrive very soon!”
Trentham Monkey Forest opened in 2005 and shows visitors a unique insight into the daily lives of 140 Barbary macaques - a highly endangered species of primate.