Tiny endangered baby monkeys born at zoo

The babies were spotted by staff, clinging to the back of their mother

Two of the world's smallest species of monkey have been born at a zoo.

The baby pygmy marmosets, which are just 3cm (1.2in) tall came as a surprise to staff at Telford Exotic Zoo, because they were not sure if the mother was pregnant.

Director Scott Adams said they have a "hands off" policy with the monkeys, which are at risk of extinction in the wild.

He said staff were "jumping for joy" when the babies were seen clinging to their mother's back.

Pygmy marmosets are native to South America and when fully grown only reach a height of 10cm (4in), making them one of the smallest mammal species on the planet.

The zoo said they are threatened in the wild because of a loss of habitat in the Amazon basin.

It had brought in the twins' father, Hook, in an attempt to breed with their mother, Robyn.

The babies are just 3cm tall

It was the first time the zoo has been able to successfully breed pygmy marmosets and Mr Adams said he was "delighted to be able to play a role in the European captive breeding programme for the species".

He also said it would be a few weeks before the youngsters became confident enough to leave their parents' side to explore their enclosure for themselves.’