NEWBORN triplets have surprised keepers at a wildlife park.

Staff are celebrating the birth of three Geoffroy's marmosets at Tropical Wings World of Wildlife, in South Woodham Ferrers. They were born eight days ago during the snowy Easter break.

The park had kept common marmosets for ten years with no breeding success, so staff jumped at the chance to look after a pair of Geoffroy's last year.

It has been a year since the two parents, Martha and Emilio, joined the park and the family is now developing into a colony at their new home.

Anna Noys, park spokeswoman, said: "We're thrilled our Geoffroy's marmosets now have three healthy and cute offspring.

"Martha and Emilio live inside the tropical house, so they were blissfully unaware of the chilly temperatures outside. Some of our visitors have been scratching their heads as they try to make out the extra fluffy bits clinging to the dad's neck."

The species, known for their white tufts around the face, neck and forehead, is endangered, as its natural habitat in Brazil his being destroyed.

Fiona Martin, conservation officer at the centre, said marmoset dads join the mothers in looking after their young.

"Marmoset dads are fantastic. They help the mothers during birth and take a share at babysitting.

"Emilio's doing a really good job, but he does look a bit crowded sometimes when he takes all three."