Rare swamp monkey pair arrive at zoo

The zoo hopes the mother and son pair of De Brazza - or swamp monkeys - will help with the conservation of the species

A pair of rare monkeys have arrived at a zoo as part of European conservation efforts.

Hoo Zoo, Telford, welcomed 13-year-old female Neith and her five-year-old son Abeeku on Wednesday.

De Brazza - or swamp monkeys - are typically found in swamp forests across central Africa but their numbers are believed to be decreasing due to illegal smuggling and deforestation, the zoo says.

"We're the seventh place in the UK to have them," said William Dorrell, from the zoo.

"We're quite passionate about the conservation of these species.

"We have built a specially designed habitat for them to exhibit their natural behaviours and hope that they will contribute to the overall long-term conservation."

Zookeeper Rebecca Dorrell and director William Dorrell said the pair have very different personalities

The male, Abeeku, will remain at the zoo for the rest of his life.

His mother Neith will be taken to a different zoo in the next 12 months and an unrelated female will replace her so breeding can begin, the zoo added.

"At the moment, she [Neith] is implanted so there can’t be any unwanted babies," said Mr Dorrell.

"They've got very distinctive personalities."

"Abeeku is very cheeky, and very inquisitive," added keeper Rebecca Dorrell.

"Neith is a little bit more quiet and reserved."