Rare Monkey Born At London Zoo

14 April 2011, 15:23 | Updated: 14 April 2011, 15:46

One of the world's rarest monkeys has been born at ZSL London Zoo.

White-naped mangabeys have been ravaged by deforestation and poaching in the wild.

Hope was born three weeks ago to mum Bella and dad Lucky.

The zoo is taking part in the European Endangered species Programme and is now home to the largest breeding group in Europe.

Conchita and Luca were born in 2008, Paddy in 2009.  

Following the success the zoo is to be used as a model for other zoos to follow - in the hope that the numbers can be increased further worldwide.

Zookeeper Andrea Payne says: "White-naped mangabeys are notoriously difficult to breed and their dire situation in the wild means it’s now critical that we ensure a future for these endangered monkeys.

"It’s fantastic that we have another mangabey baby at ZSL London Zoo. Bella is just a fantastic mum, she takes everything in her stride and Lucky is a very protective dad. The group is really brilliant with all youngsters bouncing around to the joy of the watching public."  

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