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Monkeys make 250 mile journey to new home

Eleanor Lawson
BBC News, West Midlands
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World A squirrel monkey, which has a brown head, blonde ears, and yellow-orange fur, sits on a wooden post with green leaves behind it. Its paws are holding the end of the post.Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
A family of eight squirrel monkeys have arrived at Hoo Zoo in Telford

A Shropshire zoo has welcomed a family of eight squirrel monkeys, who have been transported 250 miles to reach their new home.

The troop of monkeys are settling in at Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford, after travelling from Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent.

The "lively group" consists of Gustavo, Horacio, Maria, Tucette, Antonio, Garcia, Pedro, and Pablo.

Hoo Zoo director Will Dorrell said they would be ambassadors for their species, and he hoped their arrival would educate the public about the importance of rainforest conservation.

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World Three squirrel monkeys, which have brown heads, blonde ears, and yellow-orange fur, sit on a wooden post. One sits at the front and stares at the camera, another sits next to it with its back to the camera, and the third is in the background, its face not visible.Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
Squirrel monkeys are showing a decline in the wild due to poaching for the illegal pet trade

Mr Dorrell said: "Unfortunately, squirrel monkey numbers are showing a decline due to poaching for the illegal pet trade. Our zoo keepers can confirm that they would make awful pets."

He added that the zoo was delighted to welcome the brand-new species of primate.

In the wild, squirrel monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, where they typically live in large, socially complex groups.

Whilst not currently endangered, they are considered to be vulnerable to extinction in the wild according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Squirrel monkeys face increasing threats from habitat loss in the Amazon.

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World Three squirrel monkeys sit on a branch, which is leaning diagonally across the monkey enclosure. The enclosure is made of wood and the sky and a tree are visible behind it. The monkeys have brown heads, blonde ears, and yellow-orange fur.Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World
Squirrel monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America

To accommodate the new arrivals, Hoo Zoo has erected a brand-new habitat complete with plants, trees, shrubs and climbing places, designed to reflect the primate's natural habitat.

It is hoped that the design of the enclosure will encourage the monkeys to display natural behaviours and their normal social dynamics.

Mr Dorrell added: "Each of the new arrivals seems to be settling in well to their new enclosure and guests are already remarking at how interesting they are to watch.

"We were working around the clock to get their new enclosure ready for the upcoming February half-term break and I'm delighted that we've been able to make it happen."

Hoo Zoo is also home to Cinnamon the capybara, whose escape from the attraction last year sparked interest around the globe.

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