The birth of an endangered siamang gibbon at a North Somerset zoo farm is being welcomed as a "success for ape conservation".
The little ape was born at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, at Wraxall near Nailsea, this week.
Baby Sam is currently being looked after by mum Salome but will soon be playing with his brothers Sultana and Sidney.
Zoo keepers at Noah's Ark are particularly thrilled because siamang gibbons are facing worrying population declines.
"After having difficulties nursing in the past, Salome's family has now grown by one annually for the past three seasons, a great success for captive breeding programs like this," said a zoo spokesman.
"It's a success for Noah's Ark but also for wider ape conservation efforts.
"Siamangs are endangered in the wild and at serious risk from human interference in their native habitats, particularly from the illegal pet trade and habitat destruction by the Palm Oil industry in Asia."
Primate Keeper Clare Pearce said: "I'm so pleased for Salome and Samson that they have another little infant to look after and their growing family is doing so well.
"We're really glad to be providing a good enriched home for these important apes, which seem to be thriving here at Noah's Ark."
