A FEW lucky Dudley Zoo visitors got to witness the birth of a tiny Sulawesi crested macaque.

The youngster, who is yet to be named, is the first to be born at the zoo in three-and-a-half years.

Within hours of the birth on July 21, keen photographer and zoo member Kathryn Willett captured a shot of the little one with mum Jasmine and dad Simon.

Zoo Director Derek Grove said: “This is a stunning picture of mum, dad and the new baby. It's rare to get good photos of them all together as the mother usually keeps the baby hidden away at first.

“It just shows how comfortable the macaques are with our visitors as the birth took place in their wooden shelter, rather than mum moving to a more private area.

"Some visitors managed to witness the birth itself which is absolutely amazing and we are thrilled with the news."

Head of upper primates, Pat Stevens, added: “The birth was only a couple of days after the due date we’d calculated for Jasmine and the baby is doing great.

“It is healthy and clinging on really well to mum. We won’t be able to determine its sex for a little while.”