A rare monkey breed has been born at Chester Zoo.

Conservationists are celebrating the birth of a rare coppery titi monkey - the first of its kind to be born at the conservation charity in 94 years.

Zookeepers spotted the baby clinging to the back of its parents during their early morning checks. 

Parents Scout and Ned in March are a key part of an international conservation breeding programme that's working to safeguard the species.

The tiny youngster is currently no bigger than a golf ball, but will grow to stand at around 30cm tall once fully developed.

One of the most fascinating things about titi monkeys is their parenting behaviour (Image via: Chester Zoo)

Native to South America where they play an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy rainforests, coppery titi monkeys face major threats to their survival.

Deforestation, hunting for bushmeat and the illegal wildlife trade are causing populations to decline according to The International Union for Nature (IUCN), the world's leading authority on the state of nature. 

Zookeepers say the baby will soon start to branch out and begin to explore on its own, which is when they'll discover if it's male or female.

"It's always a joy to welcome any new addition, but the birth of the very first coppery titi monkey here at Chester Zoo is an extra special moment," said Holly Webb, primate keeper at Chester Zoo.

"One of the most fascinating things about titi monkeys is their parenting behaviour, with dads playing a really active role in raising their young.

"It's dad Ned who is doing most of the carrying, while mum Scout steps in for nursing and to give Ned a well-earned rest. 

"Their strong co-parenting bond, alongside their incredible social lives and small stature, is what makes this species so incredibly fascinating.

"We're hopeful though that this family unit will grow over time and continue to play a vital role in the conservation breeding programme that's safeguarding the species."

Coppery titi monkeys are known for their striking red fur and bushy tails, as well as their lifelong pair bonds.

They are monogamous and are renowned for their loud vocalisations, performed at dawn by male and female pairs to mark their territory.