Around 300 children from four Dorset schools enjoyed fun-filled days at the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre near Wareham thanks to Variety the Children’s Charity.
The youngsters visited on three separate days in June and July and observed the resident orangutans, chimpanzees, capuchins and more as well as enjoy the centre’s new Great Ape Play Area.
The biggest contingent of nearly 200 children was on July 8 when pupils from Bethany School in Bournemouth, Wimborne’s Beaucroft School and Linwood School campuses in Bournemouth and Poole visited the popular tourist attraction.
More pupils from Linwood and also St Clement’s School in Bournemouth visited on two separate days in June.
The majority of children travelled in Laguna coaches but six Variety Sunshine Coaches were also used.
The Monkey World days were organised by Variety Wessex and were part of Variety the Children’s Charity ‘Great Days Out’ scheme that aims to give disadvantaged children positive memories.
Frances Cornelius, Chair of Variety Wessex, said: “Thank you Monkey World for once again giving these deserving children fascinating and most enjoyable days to remember.
“Thank you Gill and Laguna for your safe and efficient coach travel and Variety Wessex committee members Judy and Jenny for accompanying the school groups.
“The Monkey World trips were funded from pantomime collections last Christmas.
“Thank you the Variety committee members and Krazy Kev for attending the collections and the generous theatre goers for donating.”
- All pictures courtesy of Hattie Miles.