By Ed Chatterton
Adorable photos show a trio of endangered baby Barbary macaques cuddling up to their mothers after being born in the tree tops at a UK monkey sanctuary.
The cute African monkeys are thought to be only a few days old and arrived at Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire, 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 endangered.
Heart-warming photos show the babies exploring their new surroundings - with one of the cheeky monkeys even poking out its tongue at the camera.
(Joshua Torlop via SWNS)
They were discovered by head guide Anna Smith during her morning feeding rounds after being born during the night, high up in the trees, as they would in the wild.
Their births are said to mark an important milestone for conservationists as they try and boost Barbary numbers.
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.
(Joshua Torlop via SWNS)
"It's wonderful to discover the baby monkeys and an absolute privilege to see them thrive in our unique woodland.”
The 60-acre site is home to 140 Barbary macaques and staff had known for a few months that babies were on the way.
All three babies were born up in the trees, but have now been brought down to the ground by their mothers.
A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: " For the past few months, the park 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 to the park who get to see a newborn just hours old, during a day in the late spring or early summer.
(Joshua Torlop via SWNS)
"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."
Park Director Matt Lovatt said the sanctuary was now entering "baby season" and expected to see between six and ten births a year.
He said: "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.
"We can't wait to see who's next to be welcomed into the world."
Trentham Monkey Forest works with organizations that help protect the wild Barbary macaques in Morocco and Algeria.
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