Chico ready for monkey business

Chico hasn't needed too many French pickup lines since his 12 female friends joined him in his abode, given he's the only male in the joint.

But Taronga Zoo's sole male Squirrel Monkey has had his work cut out for him since his companions arrived from a zoo in France earlier this year.

Primate keeper Lisa Ridley says it's been a long time since the trees of the Amazonia exhibit have seen such a large group of monkeys.

"Chico certainly has his hands full with 12 new females," she said.

And he's had to keep an open mind, as a couple of the ladies have brought an added bonus - babies from their ex-boyfriends back in France.

Two new-born boys have been seen clinging to their mothers like tiny, furry backpacks in the recently renovated enclosure, Taronga Zoo reports.

"Now eight weeks old, the babies are alert and can often be glimpsed on the backs of other females in the group."

This is known as alloparenting and gives the mother a break from carrying the baby, Ms Ridley says.

Taronga Zoo is part of the joint Australasian breeding program for Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys.

Ms Ridley is hoping Chico has been getting up to plenty of monkey business.

"We hope to see many more baby Squirrel Monkeys when the next breeding season starts in September," she said.