Behind the Scenes at Monkey World: A Journey of Conservation and Connection
This week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset, England. This trip had an even deeper meaning for me as I had adopted the woolly monkeys a couple of months ago. My experience was enriched by the privilege of staying at the Hideaway, a retreat near the park that belongs to the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund. As an adoptive parent, I was granted early access to the park, and each day, I could explore the grounds starting at 9 am—well before the public arrived. I had the rare opportunity to have the park to myself for a full hour each day, which made me intimate with the place and its residents, including the golden-cheeked gibbons, Tien and Kim, whose morning songs echoed through the trees.
Arrival at Monkey World and Staying at The Hideaway
Driving through the scenic Dorset countryside, my excitement grew as I approached Monkey World, a sanctuary I have long admired for its mission to rescue primates from all over the world. As an adoptive parent of the woolly monkeys, staying at the Hideaway added a unique dimension to the visit. The Hideaway is a cozy retreat in the same beautiful landscape, offering a perfect balance of comfort and solitude. The fact that it is connected to the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund—a charity close to Monkey World’s mission—made it all the more meaningful. Knowing I had early access to the park, waking up each morning felt like stepping into a behind-the-scenes adventure.
On Friday morning, I experienced something extraordinary: the entire park was mine for an hour before anyone else arrived. As I walked through the enclosures in the peaceful quiet of the early morning, I could feel the profound calm of the place and its inhabitants. Watching the primates start their day without the usual bustle of visitors felt like a privilege. It was just me, the monkeys, and the fresh morning air.
A Deeper Connection: The Woolly Monkeys and More
Being a woolly monkey adoptive parent made seeing them in person a moving experience. Watching these animals, with their expressive faces and playful nature, reminded me why I felt compelled to support Monkey World in the first place. The woolly monkeys, with their thick fur and agile movements, are curious and mischievous. I felt a deeper connection to them, knowing that my contribution helps care for their needs and ensures they have a life free from the cruelties they once endured.
Beyond the woolly monkeys, Monkey World is home to over 250 primates, and walking through the park was a chance to witness the vibrant social dynamics of each species. I observed chimpanzees, orangutans, capuchins, and gibbons, each in enclosures carefully designed to replicate their natural environments.
Meeting Tien and Kim: The Singing Gibbons
One of the most magical moments came from the golden-cheeked gibbons, Tien and Kim. Every morning during my stay, I was greeted by their hauntingly beautiful duet. Their song echoed through the park in the early hours, a call that resonated through the treetops. Gibbons are known for their vocalizations, and listening to Tien and Kim was a highlight of my mornings. Their songs, a mix of whoops and calls, are used to mark territory and strengthen social bonds. It was mesmerizing to stand there in the quiet dawn, listening to their voices rise and fall. It felt like they were welcoming the day, and I was honored to share those moments with them.
Exploring the Park
Monkey World is divided into expansive enclosures, each one carefully designed to meet the needs of the primates who live there. Walking through the park with fewer crowds made it easier to appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of their care.
The Orangutan Nursery was particularly poignant for me. Monkey World is Europe’s orangutan creche, and the young orangutans here have been brought in from all over Europe. It was heartwarming to see them playing freely! Watching them climb and swing with ease, I could not help but admire their resilience in a space where they can finally thrive. I was delighted to finally meet the famous foster mom, Osheen, and I was struck by how much Bulu Mata, now ten years old, had grown.
Conservation and Education at Monkey World
What makes Monkey World stand out beyond the incredible array of primates is its deep commitment to education and conservation. I joined several informative talks and learned more about the vital work being done to combat the illegal primate trade. The stories of rescues are heart-wrenching, but they also show the strength of the centre’s commitment.
One story that stuck with me was about a chimpanzee named Naree, who was used in the entertainment industry and rescued after years of isolation. The efforts made to integrate her into a social group showed the staff’s dedication to rehabilitating both physically and emotionally damaged animals.
Seeing Jeremy Keeling
During my last day at Monkey World, I had the privilege of witnessing a special moment—Animal Director Jeremy Keeling was working with the team to improve the enclosure for orangutan Gordon’s group. Jeremy has a long-standing and deep relationship with this group, especially Gordon’s mom, Amy. Their unique bond was detailed in Jeremy’s 2010 book, “Jeremy & Amy,” a touching account of his life with Amy and his passion for animal care. Seeing him in action, alongside his dedicated team, gave me a real sense of the commitment that drives the park’s ongoing improvements for the well-being of its primates. It was a fitting and heartwarming end to an already memorable visit.
Personal Reflections
The most powerful aspect of my visit was the sense of connection—to the animals, the park, and its mission. My early mornings, spent wandering the quiet park before the crowds arrived, were moments of reflection and gratitude. It is one thing to visit a zoo or a park for a day, but staying at the Hideaway and having access to Monkey World before it opened gave me a rare insight into the rhythms of the animals’ lives. Watching them wake, feed, and interact without the usual distractions made me feel like I was part of something much bigger.
As I reflect on this week, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this mission, however small my role may be as an adoptive parent. Supporting Monkey World’s work in primate rescue and conservation is not just a donation but an investment in the future of species facing real threats in the wild and captivity.
For anyone visiting Dorset, I cannot recommend Monkey World enough. It is a place where you can connect with nature and learn about the critical importance of conservation while witnessing the extraordinary work being done to save and protect primates from all corners of the globe. The Hideaway was the perfect retreat, making the experience even more personal and profound.
Practical Information for Visitors
For those interested in a visit, Monkey World is open year-round, and staying at the Hideaway is an excellent option if you want a more immersive experience. Guests staying there can enjoy early park access from 9 a.m., and there is a lovely café on site with plenty of options. Whether you come for the day or make a weekend out of it, you will not regret supporting this incredible cause. Retreat accommodations are available only to Jim Cronin Memorial Fund donors and Monkey World adoptive parents.
Final Thoughts
This trip to Monkey World, particularly with the added privilege of adopting the woolly monkeys and staying at the Hideaway, has left a lasting impact on me. I am planning my next visit and will continue supporting this critical work. Monkey World is not just a rescue center—it is a place of hope and renewal for both animals and visitors alike.
