Adorable pictures reveal a rare baby spider monkey being cuddled by her mum after being born at Chester Zoo.
Visitors have been able to see the Colombian black-headed spider monkey named Olive for the first time since she was born on December 1 last year.
Heartwarming photos and videos show the precious newborn clinging to her loving mum Kiara at the Cheshire attraction.
It’s hoped that the new arrival will bring fresh hope to the species, which is listed as vulnerable meaning it faces a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.
Mark Brayshaw, head of mammals at the conservation zoo, said: “Life as a baby spider monkey is very bumpy as these fascinating primates are incredibly agile, spending the majority of their time leaping between the treetops and using their tails to hang upside down while foraging for food.
“It’s fantastic to see Kiara cradling baby Olive closely and being so attentive.
“Olive will cling to mum’s belly for a few months, before gaining enough confidence to start branching off on her own and start exploring independently which will be great to see.
“Spider monkeys face huge survival challenges in the wild.
“In welcoming new life into the conservation breeding programme, we’re contributing to global efforts to secure a future for these highly endangered primates. In tandem with offering education, carrying out scientific research and improving public awareness, we hope to play our part in reversing their decline and ensuring the species thrives long into the future.”
This type of spider monkey is mainly found in Colombia and Panama in South America. They are under threat from hunting and illegal wildlife trade.
Their rainforest home is being destroyed by farming, causing their habitat to be broken up.
The zoo says this species now needs “urgent attention to help safeguard their future.” They are working with zoos across Europe to increase their numbers.
Conservationists and researchers have been studying the group of spider monkeys at Chester Zoo and how they interact with each other.
They have recorded information about their behaviour which has then been used to help protect them in the wild.
