Newborn endangered monkeys born in treetops of wildlife park

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

Two endangered baby Barbary macaques cuddle up to their mothers after being born in the tree tops at a UK wildlife park.

The adorable Moroccan monkeys are thought to be only a few weeks old but are already exploring their surroundings.

They were born at Trentham Monkey Forest near Stoke-on-Trent, the UK’s largest primate enclosure.

The bright-eyed new arrivals make up a shrinking worldwide population of just 8,000 Barbary macaques - with the species now classed as highly endangered.

While they can be usually found in the mountains of North Africa, these monkeys live in a specialized enclosure in Staffordshire.

Their births mark an important milestone for conservationists as they try and boost Barbary numbers.

Monkey Forest Park Director Matt Lovatt said: "We are thrilled to welcome these new additions to our Monkey Forest family.

“They are already proving to be incredibly popular with our visitors, who are enjoying watching them play and interact with their monkey families.

“Barbary macaques are a highly endangered species, with less than 8,000 in the wild, so every birth that takes place at the park is very special and gives all of us so much joy."

The 60-acre forest hosts 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques, and more babies are expected to arrive in the coming months, said the park.

Barbary macaques play a vital role in their ecosystem by acting as seed disperses, helping their habitat thrive.