Three Baby Barbary Macaques Born High in the Trees at Monkey Forest

We’ve got some exciting news to share!

Baby season has officially begun!

Three adorable Barbary macaque babies have been born here at Trentham Monkey Forest, and we couldn’t be happier.

Our team of conservationists are absolutely thrilled, and for good reason. With fewer than 8,000 Barbary macaques left in the wild, every birth is a small but meaningful step in helping this endangered species thrive.

The new arrivals were born high up in the trees (just how they’d be in the wild!) and were first spotted by our Head Guide, Anna Smith, during her usual morning feed in late May. She was delighted to discover not one, not two, but three tiny, pink-faced babies clinging tightly to their mums as they made their way down for a spot of breakfast.

Our 60-acre woodland is home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques who live just as they would in their native forests of Morocco and Algeria, forming tight social groups, raising their young together, and living without cages or barriers. It’s all about keeping things as natural as possible here at Monkey Forest.

Pregnancies aren’t confirmed in advance; we observe the monkeys and have a strong feeling on who might be pregnant, but we wait for nature to take its course for official confirmation. And then, like clockwork, a proud mum will gently bring her newborn down from the treetops to join the others for breakfast. It’s always a heartwarming surprise for both the Monkey Forest team and any lucky visitors who happen to witness a baby on the first day of its little life!

Head Guide Anna Smith said “Since 2005, our conservation work has supported the survival of this incredible species. Seeing the babies arrive never gets old. It’s such a privilege to watch them grow up with their families in our woodland – and to one day become parents themselves.

We usually expect between 6–10 births each year, and it’s not just the mums doing the parenting. One of the most amazing things about Barbary macaques is how the males get involved too,  they often help ‘babysit’ the newborns, a rare behaviour in the primate world!"

Park Director Matt Lovatt added,

“We’re so proud of the environment we’ve created here. The monkeys learn everything about being a Barbary macaque from the moment they’re born, surrounded by their group, cared for, and completely free to roam. We’re really looking forward to seeing more babies arrive in the coming weeks!”

There’s nothing quite like walking through the forest and spotting a tiny macaque holding tight to its mum. Plus, you’ll be supporting a conservation project that works closely with organisations protecting wild Barbary macaques in Morocco and Algeria, as well as helping raise awareness about the threats primates face across the globe.

So, if you fancy a truly unique day out, where there are no bars, cages or glass between you and the monkeys, now’s the perfect time to visit.

Book your tickets here and come meet our newest arrivals!