A Winter Visit to Monkey World
The Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65 acre ape and monkey sanctuary and rescue centre near Wool, Dorset.
For the month of January 2018, they are offering half price entry for locals, meaning that a family ticket costs £19 instead of £38 and is a real bargain.
After suffering with the dreaded lurgy over the Christmas and New year break we have been itching to get outside for some much-needed fresh air and decided to head over to Monkey World to take advantage of this offer.
We had been concerned that the weather was so cold that the residents would be hiding away inside, but we needn’t have worried and were greeted by the Gibbons who were swinging around their pen, chasing one another and another two that were content to watch the world go by.
Monkey World assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild and gives loving homes to the refugees of this illegal trade, as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect are rehabilitated into natural living groups.
During our visit there was plenty of time to learn all about the amazing work that Monkey World does and attend keeper talks to discover more about the animals they look after.
There are 3 groups of orang-utans at the park, including 2 different species: Bornean and Sumatran.
Monkey World is home to Europe’s only Orang-utan Creche, and also successfully breeds Bornean orang-utans as part of the European Endangered Species Programme and boy are the babies not only super cute, but full of fun and boisterous too.
There are five different species of gibbon to see and Monkey World is probably most famous for being home to the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, living in 4 different social groups. We did chuckle that some seemed to embrace the chilly weather whilst others were content to hug the radiators.
There are also 11 species of monkeys and prosimians at the park including: capuchin monkeys, common marmosets, Geoffroys marmosets, cotton-top tamarins, patas monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, white-faced saki monkeys, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, stump-tailed macaques and woolly monkeys.
Of course, there is also the chance to just release our own inner monkey’s on their fabulous play equipment.
There are three play areas to enjoy which feature climbing equipment, swings, roundabouts and spring toys which suit kids of all ages.
They are all spread nicely through the centre so the kids can enjoy watching the monkey’s and then copy some of their moves themselves.
Monkey World is a fabulous day out for kids and adults alike in all seasons and whilst it was on the chilly side, most of the residents were happy to see us and enjoying the fresh air.
Monkey World is easy to find, situated on the A31 Between Bere Regis and Wool in Dorset.
Keep an eye on the website for entry offers as they often have them, especially during school holidays and out of season.

Alan Moore
I am a real Monkey fan. I have seen ‘Monkey World’ on TV and is added to my list for a spring visit. Like the photos, very cute.
Charli
All the monkey’s are so unbelievably cute. I always feel they’re up to mischief (which, if you’ve ever done a drive through monkey enclosure then you probably already know that they are).
C x
Dean of Little Steps
That photo of a monkey hugging a radiator made me giggle. That was me this morning! And will be me in a while. It’s been so cold! Wish we had a monkey sanctuary nearby, but then again Dorset is doable from Cornwall 😉 I think it’s worth a drive!
Fiona Cambouropoulos
A bargain day out for £19 and the monkeys look adorable. Such a good idea to let locals come on the cheap, you remind me that the Eden Project do the same for us so I must look up the dates before I miss out! I’ve loved seeing your Monkey world photos in Instagram this week, great to see them all come together here.
Thank you for joining me for #CountryKids
Ana De- Jesus
It is great that they are housing primates that have been smuggled into the wild and are offering a discount on ticket prices as well!
Sonia Cave
This looks so lovely. I had wanted to go before we moved from the UK, but maybe some time when we head back for a visit
Jenny
I wish more places would offer discounted tickets in January. This looks like a fab place for a day out.
Stephanie Merry
I’ve never been to Monkey World before but that’s great that they offer locals such a big discount for January x
Newcastle Family Life
My children would love visiting here as they love seeing monkeys at the zoo. What a great offer too x
fashionandstylepolice
I love the sound of the discount. My kids would love to visit.
Rebecca Smith
I would love to visit here with the family one day – I’ve heard good things about it but alas it is quite a drive for us!
Natasha Mairs
aww these all look so cute!! I wish monkey world was closer to where we live, I’d be there all the time
Shoshana sue
OMG! How cute is that yellowish monkey in the second photo and the second last. I wish I were close by so that I could also take my kids to Monkey World.
Cath - BattleMum
My son would love it there. We have visited an ape and monkey sanctuary in Wales but it pales in comparison!
Jen
What an adorable place to visit. I love that this isn’t just a showcase, but a sanctuary, and a safe home for the animals. It is the kind if place I would take our family should we not be at the other end of the country. Great that you were able to take advantage of the offer.
scots2travel
I’d definitely be a radiator snuggler too. I hope they’re warm enough.
chichi
I hadn’t heard of this monkey sanctuary, thank you for letting us know, they look so cute!
Baby Isabella
We’ve driven pass Monkey World so many times but are yet to visit, would love to see the orang-utans and monkey around with them! 😉 #countryKids
Stephanie
I love Monkeys, they are so much fun to watch too! Great day out
Jane - Our Little Escapades
I have heard good things about Monkey World but never had the chance to visit. It looks like a good day out #CountryKids sorry I’m late!