WELL known for their inquisitive behavior, one marmoset monkey has made an unlikely new friend in the form of a green iguana, in a zoo in Germany.

    The female white-fronted marmoset can be seen giving the green iguana, who is almost bigger than her, loving pecks on the nose and even a little cheeky nibble.

    Despite its sharp claws and scaly skin, the iguana appears completely unfazed by the monkey’s wandering paws.

    These beautiful pictures were taken by Conny Schmidt, from Dusseldorf in Germany.

    Schmidt, 58, said she had heard about the two animal’s unusual friendship and visited to the zoo to see for herself.

    The loving duo is well known in the local area and one of the best-loved attractions in the whole of Krefeld Zoo.

    Armed with her camera, Schmidt waited patiently before the two animals began to show their love and affection for each other.

    At one point, the curious monkey started to give her friend a little massage, just like she would with another primate.

    Rubbing the iguana’s forehead and neck with her slender fingers, the monkey’s efforts certainly appeared to be enjoyed by the happy iguana.

    The unusual friendship appears to have begun quickly after both animals were placed in the same cage in the zoo.

    Safely positioned high up in the tall trees, the monkey and iguana appear to be very happy sharing each others company for most of the day.

    Schmidt said, “They were both allowed to roam free in the cage, which was the tropical house part of the zoo.”

    “They seemed to really trust each other. The marmoset was very intrigued, touching the iguana.”

    (SD-Agencies)