Trentham Monkey Forest celebrates the births of 6 baby Barbary macaques

Six baby Barbary macaque monkeys have been born at Trentham Monkey Forest and have been adorably welcomed into the world by the other members of the troop.

Several months after the monkeys were serenaded by a Marvin Gaye impersonator to inspire them to ‘get it on’, the park is delighted to share the news of the first arrivals since the turn of the year, with them starting to arrive in early June.

The local attraction is said to be “over the moon” with the first set of new arrivals and has confirmed that they are doing well and are already starting to learn the ways of the Barbary macaque day by day.

Last year, the total number of babies was 9 new arrivals, so it has been a fantastic start to the baby season with a few more still to be expected!

Head guide Anna Smith went to feed the monkeys their breakfast and to her delight, was thrilled and surprised to see the six gorgeous new faces.

Anna Smith said

“It’s great to have babies for visitors and the park team to welcome to the Forest. The new arrivals are doing brilliantly, and we can’t wait to see them develop in the coming weeks and months.”

At Trentham Monkey Forest, the monkeys are free to roam the 60-acre Staffordshire woodland, making it one of the most fascinating and unique places to visit in the UK.

Just like in the wild, the births occur high up in the trees at night, with no interference from the team during the pregnancy or birth.

Births are only confirmed when the park guides spot a tiny new bundle clinging to its mother the following morning, a lovely surprise for the staff starting their day at the park.

Barbary macaques are a highly endangered species, with less than 8,000 in the wild, so every birth that takes place at the park is considered to be very special.

Baby Barbary macaques have many ‘babysitters’ with many males taking an active role in caring for the smallest members of the group, a characteristic rare amongst primates.

Park Director Matt Lovatt is excited for visitors to see the beautiful new additions to the Monkey Forest family:

“Each birth that we have here is so special. The babies are fascinating to observe for the staff, visitors, and the monkeys too! The males help care for the babies, despite paternity not being known. It’s a fascinating trait as babies play a special passive role, initiating friendly contact amongst group members. It is amazing that we get to see this natural behaviour unfold in front of our eyes.”.

Trentham Monkey Forest works closely with organisations that help protect the wild Barbary macaques in Morocco and Algeria as well as other primates that are facing threats in the wild.

Monkey Forest also educates visitors and raises awareness of the endangered status of the wild Barbary macaques.

You can book a trip to see the baby monkeys at:

www.monkey-forest.com

Monkey Forest Background: 

Based on the de Turckheim family’s hugely successful European parks, Trentham Monkey opened in 2005 and provides guests with a unique insight into a highly endangered species. The animals live freely in a setting similar to their natural habitat in Morocco. Visitors to Trentham can observe them at very close quarters. Find out more: 

www.monkey-forest.com

About Trentham Estate: 

Trentham Monkey Forest is situated on the 750 acre Trentham Estate where there is an abundance of activities for all the family from lovely Italian Gardens, boutique shops and stunning lake to treetop adventures at Aerial Extreme.