Monkey World

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

The rescue centre has assisted governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild since 1987. At the Centre refugees of this illegal trade as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect are rehabilitated into natural living groups.

Home to over 240 rescued and endangered primates. Monkey World is set in 65 acres of sanctuary near Wareham in Dorset. Today Monkey World works in conjunction with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia.

Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide abused Spanish beach chimps with a permanent, stable home. Today, it is home to the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, living in four different social groups. Many have been rescued from the black market pet trade, laboratories, and from abuse as tourist photographer props.

There are three groups of orang-utans at the park, including two different species; Bornean and Sumatran. Monkey World is also home to Europe's only Orang-utan Creche, where all orphaned or abandoned orang-utans in Europe will come to grow up.

We have five different species of gibbon at Monkey World; agile, lar, Mueller's, siamang and golden-cheeked. Many were victims of the black market pet trade and at the park they have been rehabilitated to live naturally with other gibbons.

We have 14 species of monkeys and prosimians at the park: capuchin monkeys, common marmosets, Geoffroy's marmosets, cotton-top tamarins, patas monkeys, red-bellied guenons, ring-tailed lemurs, white-faced saki monkeys, slow loris, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, stump-tailed macaques, unknown marmosets and woolly monkeys.

Gift shops, Cafeteria and Picnic Areas, etc, on site.

There are 3 kiosks and 2 further cafes open seasonally, during school holidays or other busy periods. Please ask at the entrance what is open during your visit.

The outdoor café is a one stop shop for ice cream cones, sandwiches, pasties, sausage rolls, as well as a choice of cakes & crisps. Located near the orangutan nursery, it is a great place for a pit stop.

Ice cream and hot & cold drink kiosks are located in the top picnic area by the woolly monkeys, and also by the Great Ape Play Area. These are open in busy periods for a quick re-fuel during your day.

Adult 16+

Child age 3 -15 years

Child U-3 free entry but require Coach seat.

Depart for home approx. 17.30