Drusillas Park announces the arrival of an endangered baby monkey

Drusillas Park has welcomed a new endangered monkey to its family, after it was born at the zoo.

Born on the 22nd of June, the infant is said to be happy and headstrong as it begins to explore the outside world.

It's a major milestone for the park as black crested macaques are critically endangered in the wild, with an 80% decline in their population in the last 40 years.

Sadly their decline has been linked to over-hunting for meat, as in Indonesia the macaque is seen as a delicacy.

Those at the park say the healthy arrival of this baby proves a crucial boost to the macaque population. It is the second one to be born to mum Kera and dad Moteck.

Visitors and supporters of Drusillas are being asked for name suggestions, though the park hasn't actually confirmed the sex of the little one yet.

Head Zookeeper, Gemma Romanis, commented:

"We are chuffed to bits to confirm that both mum and baby are making excellent progress, and we are starting to see baby out and about bravely exploring.

"Kera is a brilliant mother; she was a total natural with her first born, Mango - who was born at Drusillas three years ago - and she's proving herself once again with the new little one. We are really proud of Moteck too; it is great to see him getting really stuck in as a dad again."