WESTBURY’S University of the Third Age (U3A) heard about Monkey World at their recent meeting, and how the sanctuary started up and continues to care for rescued primates.
Maggie Skyrme reports, “Those gathered in the United Reformed Church hall this month heard a fascinating talk about Monkey World. Mike Colbourne, or ‘Monkey Mike’ as he often referred to, worked at both Chester and Bristol Zoos before joining Monkey World over 20 years ago.
“The sanctuary, 65 acres, which is situated in the Dorset countryside near Wareham opened in 1987. Initially Monkey World was intended to provide a home for abused chimpanzees used as props by Spanish beach photographers, but is now home to several species of primate. The rescued chimps undergo medical checks and rehabilitation before being introduced to one of the four social groups living in one of the large enclosures.
“Mike told the individual stories of several of the chimps, showing in some cases the pictures taken on their arrival and after rehabilitation. The centre does not intentionally breed from the chimps; the females being on the contraceptive pill, but ‘accidents’ do happen and it is sometimes necessary to hand rear the babies as the mothers may be unable to look after their offspring.
“The other animals include orangutans, woolly monkeys and gibbons and Monkey World has a successful breeding programme for all of these.
“Mike told the story of Gordon the orangutan, who was born a month prematurely at the centre in December 1997. He spent his first few weeks in an incubator, cared for by Mike and the other staff.
“Mike stressed that the purpose of the sanctuary was to house the animals that they care for in the best possible manner. To this end the enclosures are very large and visitors sometimes find it more difficult to see the animals than at zoos. However with a bit of patience the animals can be seen in an environment very near that of their natural habitat.
“There were many questions which were answered during refreshments.
“The next monthly meeting is on July 12th when the speaker will talk about military medals. Newcomers are always welcome, we meet at the United Reformed Church hall, starting at 2pm.”
