Photo of Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre in South West
Zoos

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

πŸ“ Wareham, South West

β˜…4.7(12,424 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Established primate rescue centre in Dorset rehabilitating rescued apes since 1987. Multiple species across spacious enclosures, three children's play areas, educational rescue story boards, and primate adoption programs.

βœ“ Primate rescue centreβœ“ Baby animalsβœ“ Conservation missionβœ“ Three play areasβœ“ Educationalβœ“ Pram accessible
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Lauren Fender

Wow. Just wow. Me and my fabulous friend went during a sad time in my life and I simply had not had this much fun in probably years. The monkeys are all so adorable, the posters and facts are really informative and educational. We bought monkey souvenirs and everytime I look at my baby monkey it brings so much joy. I would also like to add that the workers are so lovely and it really brings a smile to your face. Really happy to be there and they were playing with the monkeys through the enclosures it was so cute. A few weird looking monkeys but I liked them because it’s okay to look a bit odd. Wish I could be there every day, hopefully I return soon. Best. Day. Ever.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children who connect with animals and respond well to conservation storytelling β€” the rescue narrative behind each animal gives the visit an emotional depth most zoos lack. Three separate play areas keep younger children entertained between enclosures.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Allow 2–3 hours to walk all enclosures at a relaxed pace β€” rushing means missing enclosures
⏰Warmer days give the best animal activity β€” some primates stay inside during cold or wet weather
🎟️Bring a picnic or use the on-site food β€” both options work well
πŸš—Three play areas are spread across the site β€” useful for breaks between animal sections

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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12,424 Google reviews

Genuine conservation mission and rescue stories40%
Well-cared-for primates30%
Great for all ages20%
Play areas and accessibility10%
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Lauren Fender

2 months ago

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β€œWow. Just wow. Me and my fabulous friend went during a sad time in my life and I simply had not had this much fun in probably years. The monkeys are all so adorable, the posters and facts are really informative and educational. We bought monkey souvenirs and everytime I look at my baby monkey it brings so much joy. I would also like to add that the workers are so lovely and it really brings a smile to your face. Really happy to be there and they were playing with the monkeys through the enclosures it was so cute. A few weird looking monkeys but I liked them because it’s okay to look a bit odd. Wish I could be there every day, hopefully I return soon. Best. Day. Ever.”

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Stuart Noakes

a month ago

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β€œThis is perfect for kids and adults alike, I can't remember the admission price but we paid on the door, the park is not huge but takes a while to walk around as each enclosure has different monkeys doing monkey things, climbing, playing ect so you could just stand and watch for ages and not realise how long you've been stood there! It'll probably take 2-3 hrs to get round the park. The monkeys are hilarious to watch, there are no gorilla's there but they do have orangutan's there with some playful youngsters, there are places to sit and eat there with some food for sale, hotdogs chips etc tea and coffees, we enjoyed our visit there and would visit again πŸ‘β€

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Tin Ka

2 months ago

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β€œA fantastic family day out! Even though it was a rainy day, we had such a lovely time at Monkey World. We saw quite some monkeys β€” including a few babies β€” which was an absolute highlight for the whole family. It was inspiring to learn about the rescue stories behind the animals and to see how well they’re cared for. The fact that they’re thriving enough to have babies really shows the dedication of the team. The playgrounds around the enclosures were a big bonus too, giving the kids plenty to enjoy between exploring. A wonderful, educational, and heartwarming place for families. Highly recommended.”

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Sally Goulding

5 months ago

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β€œFantastic family day out! The monkeys and apes are so happy and clearly very well cared for. Food and drinks are reasonably priced but you could take your own picnic. Monkey world is even better than we expected.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Monkey World has rescued primates from illegal smuggling operations in 27 countries since 1987, rehabilitating chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and other species into natural social groups. Families can observe various primate species across spacious enclosures, read rescue story boards for each animal, and visit three separate children's play areas. Baby primates are a seasonal highlight. Autism-friendly days and home education sessions run throughout the year.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00