Baby squirrel monkey the latest addition at zoo

A baby squirrel monkey is joining its family in one of the enclosures at a Telford zoo.

The new arrival, which was born at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in the summer, is an addition to the troop of eight which were brought in from a zoo in Kent last year.

The zoo's owner, Will Dorrell, said: "It's always incredibly exciting when a new arrival joins us, but we wanted to give the baby time to grow and make sure everything was progressing well before announcing the news."

The zoo has not yet been able to determine the sex of the baby monkey, but said visitors will spot it clinging tightly to family members.

Squirrel Monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America and face threats including habitat loss and capture for the illegal pet trade.

The zoo said they usually live in social groups and spend much of their time moving through the trees in search of food.

It said it hopes the newest arrival will boost awareness of the species and the importance of conservation.

The zoo is preparing for an influx of visitors over half term, and Dorrell said: "The little one is doing well and can now be seen with the rest of the troop in their habitat."

He added: "It's also a wonderful opportunity for guests to learn more about Squirrel Monkeys and the importance of protecting these fascinating animals and their natural rainforest habitats."

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