Monkey World

Monkey World is a rescue facility for primates in Wareham, southern England, housing more than 250 animals across a site that covers several hectares. The grounds include separate enclosures for chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, capuchin monkeys and lemurs, each designed to suit the needs of different species.

Jim Cronin and Jeremy Keeling founded the rescue operation in 1987 to take in primates from laboratories and illegal captivity. The facility started with capuchin monkeys and later expanded its work to other species arriving from different countries.

Visitors watch keepers working closely with rescued animals and learn how each species adapts to group life after years of isolation or mistreatment. The facility shows the process of building trust and teaching natural behaviors to primates who have never lived among their own kind.

The facility opens daily and sits near the village of Wareham in rural Dorset. Several play areas for children are spread across the grounds and offer a chance to rest between enclosures.

The site works directly with governments and authorities to take in confiscated animals from trade and offer them a permanent home. Many of the chimpanzees come from Spanish beach photography businesses where they were used as props for years.

Location: Dorset

Inception: August 7, 1987

Founders: Jim Cronin, Jeremy Keeling

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; July-August Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00; December 25 closed

Phone: +441929462537

Email: Apes@monkeyworld.org

Website: https://monkeyworld.org

GPS coordinates: 50.69730,-2.21770

Latest update: December 17, 2025 09:24