Monkey Life was created in 2006 and has continuously documented the work of Dr. Alison Cronin, MBE and her team at Monkey World; Ape Rescue Centre. Filmed at Monkey World in Dorset, Monkey Life follows the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and neglected primates. Many have mental as well as physical problems so the Primate Care Staff treat their individual needs until they can be reintegrated with primates of their own kind. The primates at the park range from apes, who were taken from the wild as babies and used as photographers props on Spanish beaches to monkeys, many of which were rescued from the UK pet trade. With unparalleled access Monkey World's dedicated team are filmed dealing with medical emergencies, primate moves, births and sometimes heart-breaking decisions. We follow Dr. Alison Cronin, MBE around the globe as she continues the park's mission to rescue abused primates. Monkey Life documents the daily life and drama of the world’s largest primate rescue centre.
Monkey Life (Season 16)
Episode 1 (Episode 1)
Air date: 2023-11-05
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Dr Alison Cronin and animal manager Jeremy return from Argentina with Sasha and Kangoo. Two chimpanzees being given a new home at the park, as part of Bryan’s group. And Tuan’s orangutans get a giant treat.
Episode 2 (Episode 2)
Air date: 2023-11-05
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: There’s comings and goings at the park as marmoset family The Simpsons, head off to a new home in Somerset. While marmoset Tya returns in their place, looking for love. And the Barn woollies welcome a new member to the group, Baby Xenia.
Episode 3 (Episode 3)
Air date: 2023-11-12
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: It’s vet day for some of the primates and Nelly the loris causes concern. Newly arrived female chimp Sasha gets to know some of Bryan’s group but isn’t so keen on her son Kangoo doing the same. While gibbon Teo tackles some hanging feeders.
Episode 4 (Episode 4)
Air date: 2023-11-12
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Orang-utan Silvestre undergoes a top to toe health check in preparation for moving to a new home in Switzerland. New chimp Sasha goes outside for the first time, while Gismo’s capuchin group get stuck in to a play pit of pinecones.
Episode 5 (Episode 5)
Air date: 2023-11-19
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: The team at the park’s sister sanctuary, Dao Tien in Vietnam, care for little Quy a rescued douc monkey who has just arrived at the centre. Golden cheeked gibbons Lewis and Tung take to the trees and slimmed down loris Xuli finds a mate.
Episode 6 (Episode 6)
Air date: 2023-11-19
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Infighting in one of the capuchin groups leads to surgery for female newcomer Louis. Cotton-top tamarin Mo loses mate Uncas, but gains a new friend when female Red moves in. And warm winter treats for the orang-utan nursery pals.
Episode 7 (Episode 7)
Air date: 2023-11-26
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Orang-utan Silvestre arrives in Switzerland for a new life as leader of his own small group. While Alison decides to separate mother and son chimps Sasha and Kangoo, so they can both have a chance at a fulfilled life within a group.
Episode 8 (Episode 8)
Air date: 2023-11-26
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Alison’s on a mission to rescue a pet trade marmoset kept in a hamster cage. While chimp Kangoo takes his time deciding whether to venture into the outdoor enclosure for the first time. And a prickly challenge for the spider monkeys.
Episode 9 (Episode 9)
Air date: 2023-12-03
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: There’s an emergency operation for woolly monkey Piquita while newly arrived capuchin Louis finds a perch and stays put. And a double blow for the chimp team with the loss of elderly Sammy and passing of young adult Toprish.
Episode 10 (Episode 10)
Air date: 2023-12-03
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Alison’s at Twycross Zoo to collect an orphaned orang-utan in need of a new home and family. There’s startling news about a recently rescued pet trade capuchin. While chimp Kangoo heads outside and even begins to bond with powerful female Ash.
Episode 11 (Episode 11)
Air date: 2023-12-10
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Alison heads north to rescue a pet trade squirrel monkey, who proves to be something of an escape artist. While newly arrived orang-utan youngster Kayan meets Bulu Mata for the first time and a welcome treat for the aging bachelor boys.
Episode 12 (Episode 12)
Air date: 2023-12-10
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: The park comes to the aid of two marmosets seized by the RSPCA, and Alison is truly shocked by the appalling condition of the male. While new capuchin Louisa reaches out the foot of friendship to male crush Mattie.
Episode 13 (Episode 13)
Air date: 2023-12-17
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: A challenging trip to the great outdoors for some of the park’s lorises. While at Dao Tien in Vietnam an even bigger adventure for a pair of rescued black-shanked douc monkeys, as they’re released into the forest.
Episode 14 (Episode 14)
Air date: 2023-12-17
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Newly arrived squirrel monkey Kimbo has a heath check and the snip! Alison shows vet Cesar another new arrival and this one is not in good health. And orang-utan youngster Kayan goes outside for the first time.
Episode 15 (Episode 15)
Air date: 2023-12-24
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Chimpanzee groups, Bart’s and the Bachelors swap houses again. While Koba, the rescued marmoset clings to life after arriving at the park in a stricken state. And at Malagasy the lemurs have a tricky tree top challenge licked.
Episode 16 (Episode 16)
Air date: 2023-12-24
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: It’s moving day for young male orang-utan Hujan whos on his way to join the nursery group. While Alison trys to help rescued marmoset Koba build up his strength. And woolly monkey Levar discovers small things can come in big packages on his birthday.
Episode 17 (Episode 17)
Air date: 2023-12-31
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Elderly marmoset Jenny gets a visit from the vet in preparation for the arrival of a new life partner. While orangutan youngster Hujan begins to adjust to life in the nursery and frozen treats for the guenons but how do you free up the fruit?
Episode 18 (Episode 18)
Air date: 2023-12-31
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Alison travels to Hampshire to rescue Clyde, another pet trade marmoset. Young orangutan Hujan meets older male Bulu in the nursery. While Argentine chimp Sasha meets the challenge of Bart’s outdoor enclosure for the very first time.
Episode 19 (Episode 19)
Air date: 2024-01-07
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: A visit from the vet for one of the park’s strangest residents, while the small monkey team lose the battle to save tragic pet trade marmoset Koba. And capuchin Gismo and his girls go nuts over a cracking challenge.
Episode 20 (Episode 20)
Air date: 2024-01-07
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Alison looks forward to the prospect of a new species at the park, Baboons! While recently arrived pet trade marmoset Clyde braves the great outdoors for the first time. And a sunny treat delights Chippy’s woolly monkey troop.
