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Tiny Twin Monkeys 'No Bigger Than Ping Pong Ball' Born At Chester Zoo

Tiny Twin Monkeys 'No Bigger Than Ping Pong Ball' Born At Chester Zoo

Footage shows the new additions to the zoo

Amelia Ward

Amelia Ward

In wholesome news, two twin monkeys that are 'no bigger than ping pong balls' have been born at Chester Zoo. Watch them go:

The baby primates are just two inches long and weigh only 10 grams and are eastern pygmy marmosets - one of the smallest species in the world.

Zoo keepers have said that because they are so small, their gender isn't known yet. They were born to parents Zoe, three and Baldrick, four.

Primate keeper Holly Webb said: "It's wonderful to see new additions within the marmoset family and it's almost unbelievable just how small the babies are when they are first born. They are no bigger than a ping pong ball.

"Mum Zoe and dad Baldrick have jumped straight into parenthood. Zoe is ever so caring and, unlike other primates, dad is heavily involved in the upbringing of the youngsters.

"Baldrick sensed that Zoe was ready to give birth and even put on a little extra weight to give him the energy to care for the twins.

Chester Zoo

"He's really got stuck into the parenting - we spotted him carrying the babies around on his back when they were just one day old.

"The babies are already very inquisitive and aware of their surroundings. I can't wait to see them develop their own little personalities."

The species is usually native to south America, in particular, the rainforests of southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, Peru and western Brazil.

Although the species is classified as of least concern by the IUCN red list, the monkeys' natural habitats are still threatened.

Dr Nick Davis, deputy curator of mammals at the zoo, said: "Despite their tiny stature, pygmy marmosets make a lot of loud noises, especially when calling out to attract a mate or warning others of danger.

Chester Zoo

"Even though they are the world's most miniature species of monkey, their whistles and squeals can be heard throughout the rainforest.

"Unfortunately, as their forest homes continue to disappear, this can be to their detriment, as a lack of cover leaves them even more exposed to illegal hunters and trappers.

"Thankfully, conservation teams are working hard to restore forest and create safe areas while new arrivals at the zoo help us to further highlight what needs to be done to prevent their extinction."

Featured Image Credit: Chester Zoo