Monkey World Ape and Rescue is located in Wareham, Dorset (Tout Hill, BH20 6HH). The site is set over 65 acres and is home to over 250 primates across more than 20 different species. There is a large free car park with a short walk to the entrance. The rescue centre originally opened in 1987 by Jim Cronin to provide rescued chimps with a permanent home.
Primates At Monkey World
You can expect to see primates including Chimpanzees, Orang-Utans, Woolly Monkeys, Gibbons, Squirrel Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Capuchins and Marmosets to name but a few.
Each of the primate enclosures have outside and indoor space to roam around. There are viewing areas for both indoor and outdoor areas. If the weather is bad and the primates are inside, you’ll still be able to see them.
Chimpanzees
There are four Chimpanzee groups at Monkey World, the bachelor Chimpanzees, Hananya’s Chimpanzees, Bart’s Chimpanzees and Bryan’s Chimpanzees. The park currently has the largest group of Chimpanzees outside of Africa.
Orang-Utans
Monkey World is home to three different Orang-Utan groups. The two different species include the Bornean and Sumatran Orang-Utans. The park is also home to the only Orang-Utan nursery in Europe. This is where all abandoned or adopted orang-utans will grow up.
Monkeys
There are fourteen different monkey species at the park including capuchin, spider monkey, marmosets, tamarins, guenons, saki monkeys, squirrel monkeys and woolly monkeys.
Gibbons
monkey World is home to five different species of gibbons. Many have been rescued from the black-market pet trade and rehabilitated to live with other gibbons at the park.
Monkey World Facilities
If you’re visiting with your own little monkey’s, you’ll find plenty on offer to keep everyone entertained.
The park has a variety of play areas, including the Great Ape play area, the largest of play areas at the back of the park. This is also home to a great expanse of green space with picnic areas dotted around. Perfect for a mid-day lunch break.
There are also two additional play areas in the park, perfect for letting off steam as you wander around.
You are welcome to take your own picnic and drinks to Monkey World, however there are refreshments kiosks and restaurants as well. The kiosks selling drinks, ice creams and snacks are dotted around the park in convenient locations.
The Tree Top Café is open year-round, and the Watering Hole is open seasonally. Both serve hot and cold food, drinks and ice creams.
Bathroom facilities are dotted around the park, which can be found on the many maps you will see as you wander around.
There are regular keeper talks at the park, perfect for learning more about the primates and their behaviours. (Currently these are virtual to keep staff, primates and visitors safe).
If you would like to support Monkey World there is a variety of ways you can do this including adopting a primate. Your adoption fee will include unlimited return visits to the park throughout the term of your adoption.
Our Experience
This wasn’t our first visit by any means to Monkey World and have enjoyed many visits in the past. The park is suitable for all ages, as adults get a lot of enjoyment from watching the primates as well.
We spent around three hours in the park just wandering around and watching the primates. If you have younger children enjoying the play areas, your visit will be extended by some time.
I can recommend visiting Monkey World for a great family day out in Dorset.
