A local attraction: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, near Wareham Dorset, is set in a woodland park and is home to over 240 rescued and endangered primates. The centre works with governments around the world to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild and refugees of this trade, as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect, are rehabilitated into natural groups at the rescue centre.

There’s plenty to see at Monkey World, including:

• 5 different species of gibbon;


• the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa;


• Europe's only Orang-utan Crèche - part of the European Endangered Species Programme;


• 7 species of monkeys and prosimians, including: capuchin monkeys, common marmosets, cotton-top tamarins, ring-tailed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, stump-tailed macaques and woolly monkeys.
  

The park has viewing areas for visitors to watch the primates at all of the enclosures, both indoors and outdoors. The majority of the park is outdoors and visitors are advised to bring wet weather clothing at all times.

There’s plenty of parking at the park, plus picnic areas, cafes, a gift shop and children’s play area.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed the park; except for Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Registered Assistance Dogs, and with prior notification only. All of Monkey World, except for the Woodland Walk, is accessible for disabled visitors and a selection motorised scooters and dual-controlled or manual wheelchairs is available. These are free of charge for those who bring some form of disabled ID, although a £10.00 refundable deposit is required, plus some form of identification such as a driving licence or passport. The Keeper Talks are also available in written form and the park hopes to provide Braille versions soon.

Monkey World is open every day except Christmas Day, from 10am to 5pm until June, then 10am to 6pm. Last admission is 1 hour before closing time. Entrance prices range from £34 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children), to £7.75 for a child aged 3 to 15 years.

If you’re planning ahead for Easter; from Good Friday (22nd April 2011) to Easter Bank Holiday Monday (25th April 2010) the first 100 children to enter the park each day will receive a free chocolate Easter Egg!

If you’re planning a trip to Dorset in April, we offer a choice of delightful and sustainable bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation, in an outstanding location, with spectacular views over the Jurassic Coast. Please contact us for more details, or to book accommodation.