Barbary macaques: Wildlife park thrilled by birth of endangered monkeys

Conservationists are said to be 'over the moon' following the birth of the monkeys.

Three endangered monkeys have been born high up in the trees at a wildlife park as part of a conservation programme.

The trio are Barbary macaques - which is the only species of monkey native to Europe.

There are thought to be fewer than 8,000 of them left in the wild. Their numbers in the wild have been declining rapidly, now they can only be found in small areas of Morocco and Algeria in North Africa.

The babies were born as part of a conservation programme to try and protect the species.

Barbary macaques are the only monkey species native to Europe

Sir David Attenborough recently highlighted the struggles facing the species in BBC Dynasties.

Conservationists at Trentham Monkey Forest say they are "over the Moon" following the news of the births.

Matt Lovatt, who is the park's director says "Barbary macaques are a highly endangered species, with less than 8,000 in the wild, so every birth that takes place at the park is very special."

The wildlife park has been working with organisations in Morocco and Algeria to help protect the species in the wild