A minuscule monkey measuring just three inches has been born at London Zoo.

The black-capped squirrel monkey was born in the middle of the night just under three weeks ago when keepers discovered the tiny bundle clinging to its mother, Fingers, during their morning rounds.

Measuring in at just three inches tall, the baby was born after a six-month gestation period in the zoo's Meet the Monkeys exhibit which has no barriers.

The baby has not left the comfort of its mum's back yet so keepers cannot tell if its is a boy or a girl but they have spotted them both snoozing in the sunshine.

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Zookeeper Andrea Dempsey, said: “Squirrel monkeys have an approximate gestation period of five to six months, and we’d been closely monitoring mum throughout her pregnancy – we knew she was due to give birth as her bump was huge!

“Squirrel monkeys live in large troops, which we’ve replicated here at ZSL London Zoo and including our new arrival, we’ve now got a group of 20 who are all enjoying fussing over the baby."

A new male, Eubie, was introduced into the troop in December last year as part of the European breeding programme for the species and he is doing very well, with two more babies due any day now.

Black-capped squirrel monkeys are under threat in their native South American homes of Bolivia, Peru and Brazil where they are caught for the pet trade and hunted for food.

Last week London Zoo announced six critically endangered Philippine crocodiles had been born at the zoo in June.

To catch a glimpse of the new baby visitors can visit the Meet the Monkeys exhibit at ZSL London Zoo, which is open all summer.