What types of animals can I see at the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary?

The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is home to a wide range of rescued animals, primarily focusing on primates. You can expect to see chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, marmosets, macaques, tamarins, and gibbons. Beyond primates, the sanctuary also cares for other animals such as meerkats, wolfdogs, horses, donkeys, pigs, Highland cows, and serval cats.

Is the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary a zoo or a rescue centre?

The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is first and foremost a rescue and rehabilitation centre, not a traditional zoo. Its main mission is to provide a permanent, comfortable, and dignified home for unwanted animals, especially primates, that have been rescued from various difficult situations like the pet trade, circuses, or laboratories. Unlike zoos, it has a strict policy against breeding its animals.

What are the opening hours for the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary?

The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is open seven days a week, year-round, from 10: 30 AM to 5:00 PM. The last entry for visitors is at 3:00 PM. Please note that the sanctuary is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, and may close in extreme weather conditions for safety.

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Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

## Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary: A Haven for Rescued Primates in the Brecon Beacons

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## Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary: A Haven for Rescued Primates in the Brecon Beacons

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Powys, Wales, the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary offers a unique and heartwarming experience. More than just a visitor attraction, it is a dedicated animal rescue centre providing a permanent, loving home for unwanted and often mistreated primates and other animals from various backgrounds, including laboratories, zoos, and the pet trade. This charitable sanctuary prioritises the well-being and dignity of its residents, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the incredible work involved in animal welfare and rehabilitation.

The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fascinating creatures, with a special focus on primates. Visitors can observe mischievous Capuchin Monkeys like Dexter and his companions, agile Spider Monkeys such as JonJon and Lille, and various species of Marmosets and Macaques. A highlight for many is encountering the intelligent Chimpanzees, including famous residents like Nakima, often seen with her purple blanket, and those rescued from the former Penscynor Wildlife Park. Beyond primates, the sanctuary also provides refuge for other animals in need, including comical Meerkats, majestic Wolfdogs, and even farm animals like Highland Cows and Donkeys.

A visit to the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is not just an entertaining day out but also an educational journey, offering profound insights into the lives of these rescued animals and the importance of conservation and ethical animal care. It's a place where every admission fee directly contributes to the feeding and care of its residents, making your visit a meaningful act of support. Sheltered picnic areas provide ideal spots for observing the animals, and the knowledgeable staff are on hand to share their stories, making for a memorable and impactful experience. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary, originally known as Cefn-yr-Erw Primate Sanctuary, became its current iteration in December 2008. Its origins trace back to a traditional Welsh hill farm inherited by Jan Garen, who, along with her husband Graham, founded the sanctuary. Initially, the farm was a study centre that rescued domestic animals like horses, pigs, and goats. A pivotal moment in the sanctuary's history occurred in 1998 when Penscynor Wildlife Park closed. The sanctuary stepped in to provide a home for seven chimpanzees who would otherwise have been euthanized, marking a significant shift towards specialising in the care of primates and other exotic animals. The sanctuary operates as a registered charity, relying entirely on public donations and visitor entrance fees to continue its vital work of providing lifetime care for animals unable to survive in the wild.

What to do here

Observe the rescued animals in their habitats, read about their individual stories, enjoy a picnic in the sheltered areas, and visit the charity shop for souvenirs, gifts, and second-hand items, all of which support the animals.

Seasonal info

The sanctuary may close in extreme weather conditions, so it's advisable to check ahead if the weather is poor. When participating in primate Meet & Greets, visitors are required to wear face masks or shields to protect the animals from human illnesses like colds, coughs, and COVID-19.

Accessibility

The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is wheelchair accessible, with improved access for mobility-impaired visitors, ramp/level access, and accessible toilets. Car parking is available on-site.

Don't miss

The primary highlights are the numerous primate enclosures housing chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, and capuchins, along with other rescued animals like meerkats and wolfdogs. Keep an eye out for individual animal personalities, such as Nakima the chimpanzee. Meet & Greet experiences offer a unique opportunity for closer interaction with specific animals like chimpanzees, spider monkeys, capuchins, meerkats, and servals (these must be pre-booked and have age restrictions).

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Check closing times for last entry

Ensure you arrive before 3:00 PM as this is the last entry time, even though the sanctuary closes at 5:00 PM.

Consider a Meet & Greet

For a more personal experience, book one of their Meet & Greet sessions with chimpanzees, spider monkeys, capuchins, meerkats, or servals. Remember to check age restrictions and wear a face mask for primate interactions.

Bring a picnic

The sanctuary has sheltered picnic areas, providing a lovely spot to enjoy your own food while observing the animals.

No dogs allowed

For the well-being of the resident animals, dogs are not permitted within the sanctuary grounds.

Combine with other attractions

Located in the Brecon Beacons, the sanctuary can be part of a larger day out, potentially combined with visits to nearby natural attractions like Henrhyd Waterfall or other sites in the national park.

Support their mission

All admission fees and purchases from their shops go directly to the care of the animals. Consider adopting an animal or making a donation to support their vital work.

Frequently asked questions

: The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is home to a wide range of rescued animals, primarily focusing on primates. You can expect to see chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, marmosets, macaques, tamarins, and gibbons. Beyond primates, the sanctuary also cares for other animals such as meerkats, wolfdogs, horses, donkeys, pigs, Highland cows, and serval cats.
: The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is first and foremost a rescue and rehabilitation centre, not a traditional zoo. Its main mission is to provide a permanent, comfortable, and dignified home for unwanted animals, especially primates, that have been rescued from various difficult situations like the pet trade, circuses, or laboratories. Unlike zoos, it has a strict policy against breeding its animals.
: The Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is open seven days a week, year-round, from 10: 30 AM to 5:00 PM. The last entry for visitors is at 3:00 PM. Please note that the sanctuary is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, and may close in extreme weather conditions for safety.