Monkey Life (2007)
An award-winning British documentary series following the dedicated team at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset as they care for rescued primates.
Monkey Life - Series Information
- Original Title: Monkey Life
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 16
- Number of Episodes: 314
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 13, 2007 (Canada - 18+)
- Networks: Pick, Sky One, 5, Sky Nature
- Alternative Titles: Majomélet (HU), Apinoiden elämää (FI), Abeliv (DK)
- Production Companies: Primate Planet Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Monkey Life - Plot
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.
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Monkey Life - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Jim Cronin
- Alison Cronin
- Jeremy Keeling
- Ralf Little
- Andy Serkis
Monkey Life - FAQs
Is Monkey Life based on a real rescue centre?
Absolutely. Monkey Life is filmed entirely at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset, England — a real, operating sanctuary founded in 1987. The series documents genuine rescues, medical emergencies, and rehabilitation efforts led by Dr. Alison Cronin, MBE, making every moment on screen authentically real.
What is Monkey Life about?
Monkey Life offers an intimate look inside Monkey World, the world's largest primate rescue centre in Dorset. The series follows Dr. Alison Cronin and her dedicated team as they rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate abused and neglected primates — from chimpanzees used as beach props to monkeys rescued from the UK pet trade.
Where can you stream Monkey Life?
Monkey Life is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. You can also watch it free with ads through Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads. If you prefer to own episodes, they are available to buy on Amazon Video.
Who is Dr. Alison Cronin in Monkey Life?
Dr. Alison Cronin, MBE is the director of Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre and the central figure of the series. She took over the park following the death of her husband Jim Cronin in 2007 and has since led its global rescue missions, travelling worldwide to bring abused primates to safety.
How many seasons does Monkey Life have?
Monkey Life has run for 16 seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 314 episodes. Each standard season contains 20 episodes, with the first season featuring 14. The series has been airing since 2007 and remains in production, making it one of the longest-running wildlife documentary series on British television.
What primates are featured in Monkey Life?
The series features a wide range of primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, woolly monkeys, and capuchins. Many were rescued from illegal wildlife trade, Spanish beach photography operations, or the UK pet trade. Each animal has a unique backstory, and the show carefully follows their individual journeys toward recovery.
Is Monkey Life still being made?
Yes, Monkey Life is still in production. The series holds a 'Returning Series' status, with its most recent content airing through 2024. Having run continuously since 2007 across networks including Sky One, Sky Nature, and Channel 5, it remains one of the UK's most enduring wildlife documentary programmes.
What are similar shows to Monkey Life?
If Monkey Life resonates with you, try Baby Chimp Rescue, Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo with Jane Goodall, or Chimp Crazy for more primate-focused content. Jungle Animal Rescue and Pete Wicks: For Dogs' Sake offer a broader animal rescue perspective, while Spy in the Troop provides a fascinating wildlife observation angle.
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