By Adam Dutton
Zookeepers are celebrating the birth of an adorable baby monkey as part of a conservation program to help protect them in the wild.
Twycross Zoo, in Warwickshire, has welcomed the addition of a tiny coppery titi monkey for the New Year.
Heartwarming images show the infant clinging tightly to its father, who takes on the primary caregiving role in the early months.
Native to South America’s rainforests – particularly in Brazil, Peru and Colombia – the coppery titi is named for its distinctive burnt-red, copper-hued fur.
The monogamous primates form lifelong bonds and live in small family groups, with males playing a key role in raising their young.
Dad becomes the primary caregiver 48 hours after birth and will continue this role until it reaches around six months and can explore its enclosure on its own.
Twycross Zoo’s primate curator, Matthew Ford, said: “We are thrilled to welcome a coppery titi monkey, born as part of our ongoing conservation efforts.
“At the end of last year, the coppery titi monkeys moved into a newly renovated enclosure designed by our expert team of zookeepers include climbing structures, natural vegetation, and plenty of opportunities to encourage natural behaviors.”
Females typically give birth to a single infant annually between November and March after a 128-day gestation.
The new arrival was born on November 14 and has been closely monitored by zookeepers for the first few weeks of its life.
Their diet in the wild is 75 percent fruit, along with leaves, seeds, and insects.
During pregnancy, females consume more insects to boost protein levels.
The zoo said it marked an “exciting milestone” for their conservation breeding programmes aimed at supporting populations in the wild.
A zoo spokesperson added: “These efforts not only help to sustain endangered species but also play a key part in maintaining genetic diversity, to keep a healthy population in support of wild counterparts.
“As a conservation charity, Twycross Zoo’s primary purpose is to preserve and protect the species with whom we share our planet.”
