Home > Things To Do in West Dorset > Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World was set up in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide a permanent, stable home for abused Spanish beach chimpanzees. Today, his wife, Dr Alison Cronin, continues to work with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from Africa, Asia and South America.
Opened in 1987 to provide abused Spanish beach chimpanzees with a permanent home, the site is now a 65-acre sanctuary for primates from across the globe. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions or experienced unbelievable cruelty, but here they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment. With over 240 primates of 16 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 keepers’ talks explain all about man’s closest living relative. See the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Business’ and the new series ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest adventure play area. 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 up to three copies of the Ape Rescue Chronicle newsletter.
Opening times: 10am – 5pm (Sept – June), 10am – 6pm (July and August)
Email: apes@monkeyworld.org
Tel 01929 462537
Web: www.monkeyworld.org
* Closed Christmas Day.
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff* |
|---|---|
| Family (2a+2c) | from £34.00 |
| Family (1a+2c) | from £24.00 |
| Adult | from £11.00 |
| Student | from £9.50 |
| Child (3-15) | from £7.75 |
| Disabled Visitors & Carers | from £7.75 |
| Senior Citizen | from £7.75 |
Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
The nearest major road is the A352. From Wareham head west towards Dorchester and at the first roundabout turn right towards Bere Regis (follow the brown monkey signs). Monkey World is found on the right.
ARRIVING BY TRAIN: Monkey World is approximately 1 mile from Wool train station (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth line). Between 25 July and 2 September 2011, First buses will be running the X43 service from the Station to Monkeyworld. Taxis are also available between Wool Station and Monkey World. It is not advisable to walk between the station and Monkey World.
ARRIVING BY BUS: The First X43 bus will be running between 25 July and 2 September 2011 from Weymouth to Monkeyworld, also calling at Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the Tank Museum.
JOURNEY PLANNING: To plan your journey contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit their website: www.travelinesw.com.