A reflection on the Wareham Ape Rescue, ‘Monkey World’ by Mags. After visiting for the first time over 20 years ago, then visiting 2 or 3 times a year for the first 10 of those years, Mags reflects on what has changed during that time and what the sanctuary means to her.
I thought I would write a Blog on ‘Monkey World’ – The ape rescue centre in Wareham, Dorset which I re-visited recently.
I have a long history with Monkey World. My first visit was over 20 years ago and for the first 10 years of that time, I was visiting 2 or 3 times a year- in the last few years my visits have been much less. Much has changed in the park in that time, but a lot is still the same.
The recent trip was a birthday present which included the visit and a year’s free pass to the park through the Primate Adoption Scheme. Gordon the orangutan was my adoptee.
I have a long history with Gordon, first visiting the park when he was a baby back in 1997 and avidly following the TV series ‘Monkey Business’ which followed his early life, born prematurely he spent the first few months of his life in an incubator and went to live with his keeper ‘Jeremy’.
The recent visit to the park and seeing Gordon today at 25 years of age, now a fully grown adult Orangutan. He is the dominant male of his group but still lives with Amy, his mum, in the same enclosure. Seeing Gordon and Amy again made me reflect on my last 25 years. The numerous visits made with family and friends, some no longer with us. Looking round the park that day it was clear that many visitors were also making their own memories.
Monkey World as an Ape Rescue Centre does great work. Not only do they rescue abused and trafficked primates from around the world, but they also have a strong campaign and lobbying role. Unfortunately, Covid restrictions have greatly impacted on the park’s resources. With no visitors during that time, money was drastically reduced and yet the primates still needed to be fed and kept healthy and happy. Thankfully on the day I visited the park was busy and vibrant.
Staff and supporters of Monkey World have been campaigning and lobbying MP’s to change the law and stamp out the trade and abuse of monkeys as pets in the UK. They are hopeful that the law will change in 2022 to protect any primates that are being kept and traded in the pet trade.
The money raised through the gift shop helps to fund the work to rescue and rehabilitate primates from around the world. The Primate Adoption Scheme includes a year’s free entry to the park. All the money raised goes to funding the rescue of more monkeys and apes and their ongoing care. Writing this blog made me think about all the Monkey World memorabilia I have at home. Mugs, fridge magnets, egg cups, tea towels, hats, cuddly toys, monkey bags. You name it, I have it and I love them all! I also remembered the numerous adoption certificates bought for family and friends over the years. There was ‘Charlie Chimp’, ‘Gordon’, ‘Amy’ and ‘Sally’!
I am proud that my support over the years has helped Monkey World with their rescue work and their care of primates in the park. I am not going to leave it so long before the next visit. Good work, Monkey World!
