I think we must remember that this is not a Zoo but a rescue centre, the public access being to finance the rescue operations. Therefore the display of the primates is not the main objective which is to allow these wonderful creatures to live their lives in safety and in as natural surroundings as possible.
Thank you for your reasoned reply Mick and your points do make sense but then I would like to see Monkey World make this much clearer in advertising blurb. They do sell themselves as a "monkey based" theme park and that is a little misguiding.
Hello Trifecta, point taken, I wasn't aware that they were marketing themselves as a 'Monkey based theme park'. Monkey based they may be but would hardly call them a theme park. Certainly very expensive, especially for a family with a couple of children. Likewise the cafe and gift shop are far from cheap but this is what we've come to expect from these type of places.
At least our local wildlife park, Howletts, makes no secret of the fact that they are there for the benefit of the animals and not the visitors. That also is horrendously expensive and I can only say that I'm glad all my family have grown up. Still get caught for icecreams for the grandchildren tho..........Mick
we visited monkey world last february whilst in Weymouth and to be honest thought the admission quite expensive and also struggled to see many monkeys!
Although feeding time is the best viewing time, it was hard to see over the people crowded round - and this was hardly peak season!
We are going to camp at Sea Barn in Weymouth next week ( first time there but promising reviews and website ) and have no intention of returning to monkey world. Having said that I just asked teenage daughter for her opinion and she said..."it was good"
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my family and i have visited monkey world on several occasions.and find it a great place to visit we try and go at least once a year.
yes monkey world can be a bit pricey but then again i dont mind paying the prices if it means more of these wonderful animals can be rescued.
the best time to visit we have found is when the weather is not to hot and there is a chance of rain as this keeps most of the visitors away as they are not prepared to get wet.
we was las there a year last april about a week after JIM CRONIN R.I.P founder of monkey world had passed away and there was a weird feeling around the place you could tell something was not right(at the time of the visit we did not know jim had died) the park seamed very quite and glum with no spark of life, when we eventually found out it was a shock as we had spole to jim and allison on a few occasions during our visits.
i highly recomend monkeyworld if for know other reason than to educate people in to the wrong doings that some people put these great animals through
as for camp sites if you want to make a proper holiday of it i recommend haven sites.
From previous visits to Monkey World I wouldn't say they market themselves as a theme park. They're described as an Ape Rescue Centre and that's the impression I got of the place.
Not really my sort of thing but our Children enjoyed it there.
We stayed at Whitemead campsite in Wool which is about 1 or 2 miles from monkey world ,it was anice quiet site with 3 or4 separate paddocks to camp in with a small shop and a takeaway in peak season although there is a lovely chip shop and a chinese takeaway about 500 yards awzay in wool itself.As for monkey world we thoroughly enjoyed a day in there and did not think it expensive to get in (about £6 each about 2 years ago).Perhaps the cafe and shop were a little bit dear but then where is'nt in tourist attractions and after all it is a rescue centre/charity and every little helps and I would definitely go back there anytime even as a day trip from here
doug.
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We visit Monkey world at least once a year and allways love it there as do my two boys who find it very educational.
We don't go the get good views of the apes and gawp at the monkey, thats a bonus, we go because like many we have seen them on the t.v and support the cause.
As for the cost i think it's a cheap day out and well worth the money, but then i live near Thorpe park, Chessington and don't mention Legoland (over £120 for a family of 4! ) so i'm used to really expensive day trips!
We have been to Monkey World 3 times since last October and have got 2 more visits planned in the next 3 months. Its a remarkable place where endangered primates that have been rescued from all over the world are again living in groups.It is not a zoo as was said earlier it is a rescue centre and you are helping the cause by visiting.For those of you that think £10.50 admission charge for an adult and £7.25 for children (3-15yrs) is expensive if you are a frequent visitor to the area with your caravan or tent there is a way to enter and save yourself some money. You can adopt any of the primates for one year and gain entry to the park free for one year. Adults £30,Children £20 & Family (2+2) £31 and even Single Parent + 2 £21.50.
My wife and I have adopted Charlie & Cathy and our entry fee is now down to less than £ 5.00 per visit. We have also purchased adoptions for family members for presents etc. Just as a comparison Alton Towers prices Adult £35 children £26 (4-11) Family £98. I know where i'd rather go!!!!!!!!
Having just returned from a very wet two weeks in Cornwall I can only say that perhaps it is I who is "marching out of step" because I thought the Eden Project was absolute rubbish and I am very obviously in a minority on that one
Stand by what I said about Monkey World though (the name itself hints at some form of theme park) and with tee shirts at £13.99 it is not obviously a charitable organisation.
We went to Monkey World two years ago in August and had a great day. Took various ages with us from teenager to toddler and they all loved it. We went on a day that was a bit iffy weather wise and in the past have learnt animals do lie and sleep if the sun is shining. We saw lots of monkeys being active and the kids all loved the play areas.
My hubby had visited some years ago and hadnt rated it much, but was pleased to say that he enjoyed the visit and it was larger now and more to see.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Monkey world in dorset
