Six baby Barbary macaque monkeys have been born at Trentham Monkey Forest and have been adorably welcomed into the world by the other members of the troop, park conservationists are happy to confirm.
Head guide Anna Smith went to feed the monkeys their breakfast and to her delight, was thrilled to see the gorgeous new faces.
Anna said, ‘It is great to have babies for visitors and the park team to welcome to the forest. The six new arrivals are doing brilliantly, and we can’t wait to see them develop in the coming weeks and months.’
At Trentham Monkey Forest, the monkeys are free to roam the 60 acre Staffordshire woodland, making it one of the most fascinating and unique places to visit in the UK.
Just like in the wild, the births occur high up in the trees at night, with no interference from the team during the pregnancy or birth.
Births are only confirmed when the park guides spot a tiny new bundle clinging to its mother the following morning, a lovely surprise for the staff starting their day at the park.
Barbary macaques are a highly endangered species, with less than 8000 in the wild, so every birth that takes place at the park is considered to be very special.
Baby Barbary macaques have many ‘babysitters’ with many males taking an active role in caring for the smallest members of the group, a characteristic rare amongst primates.
Trentham Monkey Forest works closely with organisations that help protect the wild Barbary macaques in Morocco and Algeria as well as other primates that are facing threats in the wild. Monkey Forest also educates visitors and raises awareness of the endangered status of the wild Barbary macaques.
