One monkey will be taking a well earned rest this Mother’s Day after giving birth to 19 babies in the past 13 years.

Alice the red-handed tamarin, who resides at Drusillas Park, near Alfriston, with her monkey-husband Harry, had her home redecorated and revamped this spring.

Harry and Alice were introduced in 2001 as part of the European breeding programme and have since welcomed many bouncing bundles into the world, including several sets of twins and triplets.

Head keeper Mark Kenward said: “When Alice first arrived at the zoo she was just a baby.

“It is lovely to see an animal grow into their potential and become such an established and confident member of the group.” This Mothers’ Day, she will celebrate at Drusillas surrounded by her large family including eight-year-old Achuchi, seven-year-old Javier and twins Phoenix and Eliza who are three.

Red-handed tamarins live in groups of up to 20 individuals and generally have two babies at a time.