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Three cheeky monkeys for Bristol Zoo

Three little squirrel monkeys have been born at Bristol Zoo Gardens. The tiny new arrivals were born on September 27, October 7 and October 10 and join the other 12 squirrel monkeys on Bristol Zoo's impressive Lake Islands.

But the babies have not found their feet just yet - they will be carried on their mothers' backs until they are about 10 weeks old when they will start leaving their mothers to explore their surroundings. They will not be independent until they are five to 10 months old.

All the monkeys on Lake Islands have names, but the three babies won't be named until keepers know their sex in a few months time.

Keeper Emily Pugh said: "We are thrilled with our three new arrivals. Squirrel monkeys are among our most popular animals. Our visitors are sure to love them as they look so cute but can also be very mischievous and therefore highly entertaining to observe.

"We are keeping a close eye on the babies and they will soon be old enough to start monkeying around with the rest of the their group on Lake Islands."

Known as the common squirrel monkey, the species' scientific name is Saimiri sciureus and the cute little animals are native to the tropical forests of South America. They like to eat fruit, insects and flowers and are very agile.

The youngsters will grow to be about 12 inches long, with a 16 inch long tail which they will use to balance as they jump through the trees. They are excellent climbers and leapers and spend most of their time in the tree, only occasionally coming down to the ground.

Baby squirrel monkeys are born after a gestation of five to six months and the males take no part in caring for them. They can live for up to 20 years in captivity.

Common squirrel monkeys are easily recognisable by their bright yellow/orange legs and are related to other South American primates such as white-faced saki, red titi monkeys and black howler monkeys.