Marvin Gaye impersonator hired by zoo to help its endangered monkeys "get it on"

He's known for recording some of the sexiest songs of all time, but can Marvin Gaye get some monkeys in the mood?

That's a theory Trentham Monkey Forest in the UK is putting to the test.

The Staffordshire woodland and meadows are home to around 140 monkeys, including the endangered Barbary macaque.

In an attempt to help grow the species' population, the animal park decided to try out an unusual tactic by hiring Marvin Gaye impersonator Dave Largie to charm the monkeys and help encourage their friendly side during mating season.

"Monkeys being serenaded by Marvin Gaye – who'd have thought it!" said park director Matt Lovatt.

"We thought it could be a creative way to encourage our females to show a little affection to males that might not have been so lucky in love."

He added: "Each birth is vital to the species with Barbary macaques being classed as endangered ... so hopefully Marvin's done his magic and we can welcome some new babies."

Forest employees won't see if the power of Marvin worked its magic until the macaques' birthing season in the late spring and early summer.