Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre (Wareham)

Monkey World, in Wareham is just a 30-minute drive from Bournemouth and is a real inspiration if you’re looking for a different way to spend the day. Dedicated to rescuing primates from all over the world by working with their governments, the centre then rehabilitates the animals into natural living groups.

The cheeky residents including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons etc are naturally entertaining, always eager to show off while enjoying their homely enclosures. Just keep your wits around you in the lemur enclosure where these friendly species roam (and swing!) free! There are plenty of feeding times and talks to enjoy during your day.

"What you looking at?" A cheeky juvenile orangutan investigates our photographer

"Just monkeying around - young orangutans having fun in their enclosure

Young orangutans learning essential life skills through play

A pensive moment for one of Monkey World's beautiful rescued animals

These beautiful creatures are so incredibly expressive they just draw your interest at every turn

It's incredible to witness the strength and grace of these fascinating animals - and hear about the life-journey that brought them to Monkey World

It's a real treat to witness all aspects of the residents' world - where even the most mundane tasks can be hilarious to observe

A pensive moment for one of Monkey World's resident chimpanzees

A plucky chimpanzee scales to the highest point in his enclosure to keep watch for breakfast

It's such a privilege being able to study these fascinating animals relaxing in a safe and natural environment

A touching moment when two young orangutans show their love for each other while keeping their sense of fun

The perils of being an early visitor to the park: "Hey you, I've written down my breakfast order!"

Monkey World is such a peaceful place, painstakingly planned and maintained to offer a natural and stress-free environment for monkeys - and visitors

If watching the monkeys feast on endless creative meals and snacks has helped you work up an appetite, grab a quick bite at The Watering Hole

The park is spacious with various enclosures to match the needs of each breed or particular animal, from large leafy enclosures to warm and snug hideaways

A pure comedy moment at Monkey World where even the most serene scene can descend into chaos with these cheeky, but charming animals

Monkey World founder Jim Cronin is immortalised in this bronze sculpted tribute to him and one of the park's best-known chimpanzees, Charlie

If you're bringing your own monkeys to Monkey World make sure they spend some time hanging around in the adventure playground

It's clear to see the similarities between monkey and man when the kids get their chance to monkey around on the play equipment

An eternal tribute to some of the Monkey World charity's biggest supporters

Besides the appeal of its adorable residents Monkey World is an educational experience

Monkey World is beautifully landscaped to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for all

Seasonal offers

Keep an eye on the Monkey World website for some great admission deals. At Halloween they often let kids in fancy dress come in for free (apparently the monkeys like the costumes) and sometimes they appeal for donations of blankets, fruit or toys.

Mother’s Day 2018 – Mums go half price

Treat mum to a unique day out on Mother’s Day by heading down to Monkey World. On Mother’s Day 2018 Mum was welcomed in for half price on presentation of a downloadable voucher. Whether she’s mad for marmosets or crazy for chimpanzees, pack up a picnic, round up your own troop of monkeys and enjoy a great family day out. If mum wants to learn more about her favourite type of monkey (not including close family members!) try and catch a keeper talk or feeding session during your day.

Monkey World loves an occasion and often lays on special offers such as this, so make sure you check their website regularly to bag a great day out at the very best price!