Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

This internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is set within 65 acres of beautiful Dorset woodland. Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a sanctuary for primates from across the globe. Many have been neglected, kept on unnatural conditions or experienced unbelievable cruelty. Some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. At Monkey World, they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe, natural environment. Monkey World was originally set up by Jim Cronin, MBE who sadly passed away in 2007. Today, his wife, Dr Alison Cronin, MBE, continues to work with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from Africa, Asia and South America. With over 260 primates of 24 different species, Monkey World is the largest ape and monkey rescue centre in the world. Monkey World is a fantastic day out! The park is imaginatively laid out and has food and drink outlets, picnic areas, a woodland walk, and a lot of monkey antics to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Combining fun with conservation and animal education, half-hourly talks at the park explain all about man’s closest living relative. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape Play Area for children with its huge variety of swings, slides, and climbing frames.

You can even help Monkey World to rescue and rehabilitate more primates by adopting a monkey or ape. ‘Adoptive parents’ receive a year’s pass to the park, a photograph of their adopted primate, certificate, and copies of the Ape Rescue Chronicle up to three times a year.

Monkey World is just minutes from the A31 near Wool, and is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm. Last admission is 1 hour before closing.