The critically endangered cotton-top tamarins arrived at Banham Zoo on February 21.

Their birth marks an important addition to the conservation efforts led by the Zoological Society of East Anglia.

The monkeys have been born at Banham Zoo (Image: Rosie Hiskey/ZSEA)

Deborah Harris, animal manager at Banham Zoo, said: "The two new arrivals are doing so well. It's lovely to watch the family interact.

"This is especially important for last year's offspring as watching their parents rear their young is how they themselves will learn how to care for their own offspring in years to come."

Cotton-top tamarins are native to the tropical forests of northern Colombia.

Fewer than 6,000 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild due to habitat loss from deforestation, agriculture and urban development.

The birth of the twins offers a rare opportunity to observe the distinctive social behaviour of the species.

Unlike other species of monkey, cotton-top tamarin fathers are primarily responsible for carrying their infants.

They only hand them to their mother for feeding.

The newborns are said to be "thriving" under the care of their family group.

© Eastern Daily Press