Staff at Colchester Zoo have welcomed a new addition following the birth of a new baby animal.

The baby squirrel monkey was born on October 29 and is the sixth baby to mum Milu and dad Malcolm.

A spokesman for the zoo said: "For now, Milu, will carry the new arrival around on her back until it is strong enough to explore and climb on its own.

The baby monkey was born at Colchester ZooThe baby monkey was born at Colchester Zoo (Image: Colchester Zoo)

"Squirrel monkeys spend most of their life in the trees and will very rarely venture to the ground.

"You will most likely spot Milu jumping through the branches of the canopy with her young infant and may even catch Milu urinating on her hands, but this is completely normal. It’s a way of marking their territory as well as helping to control their body temperature."

The new arrival is yet to be named.

Squirrel monkeys are listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, however they are affected every year by the exotic pet trade and deforestation.