A baby squirrel monkey has joined its family at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford after being born there over the summer.
The youngster is the newest member of a troop of eight squirrel monkeys that arrived from a zoo in Kent last year.
Zoo owner Will Dorrell said staff waited before announcing the birth so they could make sure the baby was developing well.
“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,” he said.
The zoo has not yet determined whether the baby is male or female.
For now, visitors are most likely to spot the youngster clinging closely to adult members of the troop as it continues to grow.
Squirrel monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they live in social groups and spend much of their time moving through the trees in search of food.
The species faces a number of threats in the wild, including habitat loss and capture for the illegal pet trade.
Zoo staff hope the new arrival will not only delight visitors but also help raise awareness about the importance of protecting squirrel monkeys and their rainforest habitats.
“The little one is doing well and can now be seen with the rest of the troop in their habitat,” Dorrell said.
He added that the birth offers visitors a chance to learn more about the species and the conservation challenges it faces.
“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.”
The baby is expected to be a popular sight as the zoo prepares for increased visitor numbers during the half-term holiday.