Monkey World

This place is not usually open now.

Monkey World is a unique monkey and ape rescue centre which allows visitors to get up close with a variety of primates from across the world. The purpose built sanctuary encompasses many different enclosures located over its 65 acres site. There are over 250 primates at the park, all of whom have access to both their indoor and outdoor enclosures throughout the day.

Many of the park’s residents have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment.

Combining fun with conservation, self-guided audio tours explain all about man’s closest living relative, whilst half-hourly keeper Q&As allow visitors to hear about the primates from the people who know them best!  Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape Play Area with its huge variety of swings, slides, and climbing frames.

There are lots of viewing areas for visitors to watch and interact with the primates at all of the enclosures, both indoors and outdoors. The majority of the park is outdoors so make sure you bring wet weather clothing if the forecast is for rain. The centre was founded by Jim Cronin in 1987 who was a passionate activist for the protection of primates.

Make sure you try and attend one of the informative keeper talks which happen throughout the afternoon. Here you will learn lots of great facts about the individuals and the species and get to see them eat food which is scattered by the keepers. You can also find more about the work carried out at the park and the rescues they help organise.

The Different Primates at the Monkey World

You can expect to see four different chimpanzee social groups which have their own hierarchy. Monkey World is home to the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa.

There are three groups of orang-utans at the park, including two different species: Bornean and Sumatran.  Monkey World is home to Europe’s only orang-utan creche. There are five species of gibbon: golden cheeked, Siamang, Mueller’s, lar and agile.

There are over 15 species of monkeys and prosimians at the park including capuchin monkeys, marmosets, slow loris, cotton-top tamarins, patas monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, white-faced saki monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, stump-tailed macaques and woolly monkeys.

Family Friendly Facilities

For your own monkeys there is plenty of opportunities for children to burn off some energy at the park. There are two outdoor play areas with climbing frames suitable for all ages along with lots of open space. There is also picnic areas, a buggy friendly nature trail, a cafe with an indoor soft play area.

Entry prices – a family ticket for 2 adults + 2 children to Monkey World is £52.25, and if you book online you get a 10% discount. Visitors can also support the park by joining the primate adoption scheme and receive a FREE yearly pass. A family adoption costs £94 for a year.