Birth of rare monkey makes history at Chester Zoo

Conservationists are celebrating the birth of a rare coppery titi monkey at Chester Zoo - the first of its kind to be born at the conservation charity in 94 years.

Zookeepers spotted the baby clinging to the back of its parents during their early morning checks. 

It’s the first time one of the rare South American monkeys has ever been born at the zoo, following on from the arrival of parents Scout and Ned in March. The pair are a key part of an international conservation breeding programme that’s working to safeguard the species.

The tiny youngster, described as the ‘size of a golf ball,’ will grow to stand at around 30cm tall once fully developed.

Native to South America where they play an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy rainforests, coppery titi monkeys face major threats to their survival. Deforestation, hunting for bushmeat and the illegal wildlife trade are causing populations to decline according to The International Union for Nature (IUCN), the world’s leading authority on the state of nature. 

Zookeepers say the baby will soon start to branch out and begin to explore on its own, which is when they’ll discover if it’s male or female.

Holly Webb, Primate Keeper at Chester Zoo, said:

“It’s always a joy to welcome any new addition, but the birth of the very first coppery titi monkey here at Chester Zoo is an extra special moment. Right now, the baby is no bigger than a golf ball - but it’s bright-eyed, healthy and already full of confidence, clinging tightly as mum and dad as they leap through the treetops.

“One of the most fascinating things about titi monkeys is their parenting behaviour, with dads playing a really active role in raising their young. It’s dad Ned who is doing most of the carrying, while mum Scout steps in for nursing and to give Ned a well-earned rest.  With the baby still so tiny and tucked firmly into its parents’ fur, it’ll be a few more weeks until it begins to explore on its own. Once it starts venturing out, we’ll be able to determine whether it’s male or female and then choose the perfect name for this precious new arrival.

“Their strong co-parenting bond, alongside their incredible social lives and small stature, is what makes this species so incredibly fascinating. But they face an uncertain future in the wild, with increasing pressures from logging and the illegal pet trade. We’re hopeful though, that this family unit will grow over time and continue to play a vital role in the conservation breeding programme that’s safeguarding the species.”

Coppery titi monkeys are known for their striking red fur and bushy tails, as well as their lifelong pair bonds. They are monogamous and are renowned for their loud vocalisations -performed at dawn by male and female pairs to mark their territory.

Coppery titi monkey facts:

• The baby was born on 14 August 2025
• Latin name: (Plecturocebus cupreus)
• Habitat: Native to South America’s rainforests, particularly in Peru and Brazil.
• Named for their striking red, fluffy fur, bushy tails, and grey faces with small flat noses.
• Monogamous primates that form lifelong pairs and are known for daily dawn “duets” to mark territory.
• Strong social bonds: pairs are often seen grooming, cuddling and intertwining tails.
• Dads play the biggest role in childcare, carrying infants on their backs for up to six months.
• Long tails are not prehensile (cannot grasp or hold).
• Play a vital role in rainforest biodiversity as seed dispersers.
• Newborns are tiny - around the size of a golf ball - and adults reach around 40cm tall (plus a tail almost the same length).

Pictured - Conservationists are celebrating the first coppery titi monkey to be born at Chester Zoo in its 94-year history.