The Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is based in Wareham, Dorset, and was founded by Jim and Alison Cronin in 1987; Jim sadly passed away in 2007. I first heard of the centre through the TV series Monkey Business, and have been keen to visit ever since.

The centre has rescued primates from all over the world, saving them from miserable destinies. Some of the animals were experimented on in laboratories, kept as exotic pets, or had been captured by poachers. Others were the cruelly-used props of beach photographers, who would dress the chimps in human clothes, and parade them along the beach for up to 16 hours a day, beating or drugging the animal to keep them under control.

Monkey World aims to rehabilitate the rescued apes, allowing them to live out their lives amongst their own kind. There are now more than 250 primates, of 15 different species.

If you'd like to learn more about the wonderful work Monkey World do, visit their website - www.monkeyworld.co.uk . . . or if you're in the area, visit the place itself - it's open every day except Christmas Day, and the admission price is most reasonable.

Some of my photos are now available to buy in a variety of sizes and finishes, or as digital files, at SerenityPhotography.co.uk.