Monkey World

Approximate Journey Time: 55 Mins

Time at destination: 4.5 hours

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a renowned primate rescue centre dedicated to providing sanctuary for monkeys and apes that have been rescued from abuse, neglect, or illegal wildlife trade. Located in Dorset, the centre cares for many species including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and various monkeys, offering them safe, naturalistic environments where they can live in social groups and recover from difficult pasts. Alongside rescue work, Monkey World also plays an important role in conservation, education, and raising awareness about the protection of primates worldwide. Be sure to pick up the latest schedule for keeper talks and feeding sessions to fully engage with over 250 primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons, in their naturalistic environments. Learn from the informative sessions about the animals and the conservation efforts of the park. Participate in various activities such as the primate adoption program, which supports their care, discover educational exhibits, enjoy the children’s play area, dine at the Treetops Café, or find unique souvenirs at the gift shop.

Accessibility

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is largely wheelchair and buggy accessible, with wide paths, accessible toilets, seating areas, and buggy tours available for visitors who may find walking around the large park difficult. There are some steep hills which may be difficult for people with mobility issues.

Monkey World, officially known as Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre, was founded in 1987 by Jim Cronin and Dr. Alison Cronin in Wool, Dorset, England. Established initially to address the mistreatment of primates in the illegal pet trade, circuses, and laboratories, the center has expanded on a 65-acre site dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of various primate species. Over the years, the park has grown its facilities and rescue operations internationally, collaborating with governments and animal welfare organizations to provide primates with naturalistic habitats and spearheading significant rescues, such as saving chimpanzees used as photographers' props in Spain.

The centre has also made strides in conservation and education, developing programs to raise awareness about the challenges primates face, such as habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, and implementing an adoption scheme to support the ongoing care of the primates. Following Jim Cronin's death in 2007, Dr. Alison Cronin continued to lead with fervor, expanding the centre's reach through television series like "Monkey Business" and "Monkey Life," which showcase the day-to-day operations and the primates' stories. Today, Monkey World houses over 250 primates, making it one of the largest primate rescue centers globally and a vital player in primate conservation and welfare.