Saki monkeys welcome baby to their brood

© ZSL

The youngster, born two months ago, joins mum Rio, dad Kos and brothers Jose and Paulo in the Zoo’s Discovery Centre.

Although the newest arrival has spent the last few weeks clinging on to mum, the cheeky monkey is starting to become more independent and has even begun eating solid food – by stealing it from mum’s mouth!

Senior keeper Melvin Lear said: “It’s the third baby to be born to parents Rio and Kos and we’re delighted. Mum’s doing an excellent job of looking after the new arrival. The brothers are also helping out – it’s just dad that’s not! But that’s not unusual.”

The family of saki monkeys at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo have all been named using a map of South America, where they originate from, and the same method will be used to name the baby – who measured just six inches long at birth.

Play this video Melvin added: “When we know the sex we’ll get out a map and pick a name from there. It’s what we’ve done for the others and sounds an unusual way of going about it but it means they all have names which are special and which mean something.”

Whipsnade’s Discovery Centre has also welcomed the birth of ten Yemen chameleon in recent weeks. Measuring just half an inch at birth, they will eventually grow to around 14 inches.

The group were born bright green but can change colour for camouflage or according to their mood. They also have the unique ability to move their eyes independently and look in two directions at once.