Monkey zoos

[Marijn]

Does anyone know of any zoos other than Monkeyworld in Dorset, where most of the animals are monkeys? I've already been there and would like to know of any others, especially ones near to Essex.

[leelapops]

Hi notafish. Nowhere near Essex, and quite small, but South Lakes WIld Animal Park, near me, has a high proportion of primates. It is a really lovely park, compact but still enough to make a day of, especially if you have little ones.

x

[Marijn]

Thank you, that sounds really nice. Was thinking of having a holiday in that area this year, so that will be great.
Also would love to hear from anyone else who knows of any other monkey zoos.

[louise jones]

Twycross Zoo in Atherstone, Warwickshire, I know its not near Essex but its absolutely fabulous. My kids love primates and this place has every type you could think of, it really is a lovely place to visit. We live in Liverpool and we drive down there at least three times a year.

There is also a place called Monkey Forest in Trentham near Stoke, which we havent been to yet, but they have over 140 free roaming barbary macaques - these are the same type of primates found on the Rock of Gibraltar.

Enjoy!!

[Marijn]

Thank you, they both sound great too. Will give them a go at sometime. Nearest one to me so far is two and a half hours away. Does anyone know of any that are closer to Essex? Still interested in hearing about ANY others though. Thank you.

[Andyvon]

You could try Howletts and Port Lympne Animal Parks which are both in Kent not far from you. Howletts is just outside Canterbury and Port Lympne near Hythe. Both were founded by John Aspinall and they are known for their gorilla breeding programmes.

My wife and I went to Port Lympne animal park last month and it was superb. There is a huge gorilla house as well as many other primate species in various enclosures as good as Monkey World. The parks breed primates and other animals with the object of returning them to the wild.

Port Lympne is similar to Whipsnade and there are many other animals in large grazing enclosures. These include elephants, rhino, bison, buffalo, tigers etc. Port Lympne is also known for its breeding group of Barbary lions which are extinct in the wild and there are only 31 left in the world. Port Lympne hope to start returning lions to the wild in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco soon. There is also the African Drive which is a tour lorry that takes you on a guided tour through the large enclosures to see animals up close.

The animal park has been developed around Port Lympne mansion which you can also visit at the same time. Adult entry to the park is about 14 pounds each but its a superb day out, whether you have children or not. Hope that helps Notafish.

[Marijn]

Thank you very much for all the info.