Monkey Life

What a superb show. This show features great insight into the lives and personalities of ALL the monkeys at Monkey World. I found the people interviewed and the narration by Andy Serkis to be a perfect combination to the program. It was amazing to see how different all the primates were. It was very funny at times (Seamus the "mad" monkey) and very sad at times. The program was made all the more poignant by the sudden and very unexpected death of the parks founder, Jim Cronin. His passion for the primates was touching to see. Both he and his wife Alison went to great lengths to help and protect monkeys all around the world. It was heart warming to see how happy the monkeys were once they settled in at the wildlife park and to see what Mr and Mrs Cronin had to go through in order to get the result that would benefit the primates. All the staff were so dedicated and enthusiastic and it certainly rubbed off on this viewer. I found myself eager for the next episode to see how the new additions to the menagerie settled in.

The last episode was a real tear-jerker and the program did end on a very sad note, but what a legacy Mr Cronin has left behind him. Thanks to the work of him and his staff so many amazing monkeys have been rescued and now enjoy a full and happy life.

It gave me an understanding and a fondness I never had before. One of my favourite was Sally, the mothering monkey. She was so maternal with the young orphaned chimps.

Nothing I could write can ever do this program justice. I just want to say thank you to all the people involved for creating such an educational and moving documentary which has completely converted my view of primates.