Monkey World; Ape Rescue Centre - Dorset
How lucky were we getting to spend 2 fabulous days at Monkey World! Everyone was presented with an adoption certificate of our very own primate. We couldn't wait to see them in real life!

We
started our day with the Woolly Monkeys—graceful, intelligent creatures rarely
found in captivity due to their complex health needs. Monkey World is the only
sanctuary in Europe successfully breeding healthy Woollies and watching them
leap through the trees with such agility and strength was a breathtaking sight.
Next, we attended the Small Monkey Keeper Talk. Here, we met tiny but mighty
primates like Marmosets, Tamarins, Capuchins, and Spider Monkeys, many of whom
had been rescued from the UK pet trade.
The stories were deeply moving—many of the monkeys had spent years in solitary cages, malnourished and neglected. Now, thanks to Monkey World, they were living vibrant, social lives in custom-built enclosures. Watching them play, groom, and explore their environment was both heart-warming and inspiring. The keepers were passionate and informative, and we had the chance to ask plenty of questions.

As
the sun beamed down, we wandered through the sanctuary and spent time watching
the playful, charismatic Chimpanzees. Their expressive faces and social
behaviours were mesmerising. We all managed to spot our animals all full
of energy and charm!
Everyone woke up full of excitement
for today’s nostalgic journey aboard a heritage steam train from Swanage to
Norden Station. The moment we stepped onto the platform at Swanage Station, it
felt like stepping back in time. The scent of coal smoke and the sound of the
steam whistle set the scene perfectly. We found our seats in a charming vintage
carriage and began our scenic journey through the Dorset countryside, passing
fields, forests, and postcard-perfect villages. As the train chugged past the
ruins of Corfe Castle, silhouetted against the hills.
Then
we were off to one of Dorset’s most impressive attractions: the Tank Museum in
Bovington. This colossal museum houses over 300 tanks from 28 nations—the
largest and most significant collection of armoured vehicles in the world. We
started with the powerful Trench Experience, where we walked through life-sized
WWI trench reconstructions. From recruitment office to the front lines, we saw,
heard, and even smelled what soldiers would have experienced. Gunfire echoed
through the maze-like paths, making it all feel incredibly real. We climbed
inside tanks and marvelled at their size and complexity. It was amazing to be able to admire a stunning
collection of wartime medals and learn about the bravery behind each one.


It was off for a
day of creativity and coastal charm—our destination: SandWorld in Weymouth. From
the moment we stepped inside, we were blown away. The towering, intricately
detailed sand sculptures were truly works of art—some standing several metres
tall! Masterpieces from the world’s best sand artists brought famous characters
to life before our eyes. We marvelled at Simba and Mufasa from The Lion King, a
soaring Dumbo, an ancient Egyptian prince, and even long-extinct sea creatures
from over 83 million years ago. The craftsmanship was spellbinding—delicate
facial expressions, swirling patterns, and textures you wouldn’t believe had
all been sculpted from just sand and water.

Inspired by what we’d seen, we then headed to the creative area, where we made
our own sand art. We
left feeling very proud of our artistic flair!
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