Monkey Business

Aug 10, 1997

Documentary strand on a Dorset chimpanzee sanctuary. Chimp Charlie - which has been affected by a cocktail of drugs - throws a fit, causing chaos among the other apes.

Jun 29, 2026

Charlie the reformed junkie chimp has his eyesight tested at the Dorset wildlife sanctuary, while a miserable capuchin monkey arrives unexpectedly, and keeper Mike is assigned to look after a pair of love-struck orang-utans.

Jun 29, 2026

The orang-utan love affair develops as two chimpanzee clans are prepared for their first meeting, and a lemur keeper hand-rears some rejected babies.

Jun 29, 2026

There is trouble in store when the two chimpanzee clans are introduced. The respective leaders engage in a face off in the outside enclosure.

Jun 29, 2026

Paddy is accepted as the chimpanzee group's leader. Meanwhile, all is not well with the orang-utan couple's relationship.

Jun 29, 2026

Charlie befriends a rescued chimp from Spain, the two orang-utans make up and Jimmy starts a new relationship.

Jun 29, 2026

Keeper Jeremy lavishes care and chocolate on chimpanzee Charlie following the amputation of his finger. Naughty Jimmy is put in the misfit group as punishment, where he gets a taste of his own medicine, while a lemur's stay in new accommodation is cut tragically short.

Jun 29, 2026

Park owners Jim and Alison Cronin race against the clock to finish building a new house for eccentric chimpanzee Charlie, while keeper Mike entertains an unusual house guest.

Jun 29, 2026

Chimpanzee Charlie broadcasts a radio message as a vicar arrives to bless his new home, and shy baby Alice makes a new friend.

Jun 29, 2026

Chimpanzee Charlie meets the boisterous youngsters from the nursery group, and baby orang-utan Gordon makes his first public appearance, while Jim and Alison Cronin fly off on an undercover mission to Turkey.

Jun 29, 2026

Baby Seamus will have to be brave when he visits the vet for the first round of injections, while Jim goes undercover in Turkey in an effort to break up a chimp-smuggling ring.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin find themselves at the centre of a national news story in Turkey, while back at Monkey World a nervous chimpanzee is introduced to its rowdy neighbours.

Jun 29, 2026

Monkey World is thrown into confusion by a serious illness, a pregnancy and a surprise visit.

Jun 29, 2026

There are celebrations in the woolly monkey house of Monkey World wildlife sanctuary, but Jim and Alison Cronin's mission to foil an illegal animal trading ring in Turkey proves a disappointment.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison travel to Holland to witness the rescue of four baby chimps from a laboratory.

Jun 29, 2026

Charlie and Pacito move house, and there is an update on the chimps rescued from a Dutch laboratory.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin fly to Dubai to rescue three-year-old chimp Honey, who has been living at the royal palace. Baby Seamus goes to stay with Gordon the orang-utan - and picks up a few bad habits in the process.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin make a horrific discovery when they try to rescue a monkey from a pet shop, while the rest of the nursery team lets its new recruit venture outside.

Jun 29, 2026

Baby Hebe proves to be a popular attraction among the other chimps, who fight to gain the new animal's attention.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim Cronin mounts an undercover rescue mission in response to reports that a troop of illegally smuggled chimps has been discovered at a seaside resort.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim Cronin comes face to face with a smuggled chimpanzee in Turkey, and baby Hebe takes her first steps while anxious mother Olympia looks on.

Jun 29, 2026

Charlie and Pacito try to make new friends with members of Paddy's group, but things do not go to plan.

Jun 29, 2026

Charlie and Pacito are given their last chance to make friends when they meet the bachelor boys, whose reputation for causing mayhem is well known. Rodney's fake termite mound proves to be a roaring success.

Jun 29, 2026

The orang-utans are separated because of their bad behaviour, two stolen monkeys are dumped on the sanctuary's doorstep, and an operation suffers a serious setback.

Jun 29, 2026

Orang-utans Amy and Gordon are taken out for ice cream in an effort to make Amy accept her son. Plus, baby Hebe tries to befriend a fellow chimpanzee.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin talk over their plans to expand Monkey World, and Jeremy takes baby Seamus to visit foster mother Sally.

Jun 29, 2026

Three female chimps rescued from a Dutch laboratory are moved to a new group led by Rodney. The siamang gibbons, Sage and Sam, discover they are to become parents and members of Paddy's group are shocked by their mirror reflections.

Jun 29, 2026

Staff at the Monkey World sanctuary in Dorset are forced to take a baby chimp away from its mother. Meanwhile, Sage the siamang gibbon goes into labour and three rescued laboratory chimps are introduced to Rodney's group - with explosive consequences.

Jun 29, 2026

There's an emergency in the wildlife sanctuary as Sage, a siamang gibbon, undergoes a Caesarean section. Elsewhere, chimpanzee Seamus is introduced to his new family - but foster sister Evelyn is jealous.

Jun 29, 2026

A newcomer arrives at the park, Jimmy is separated from Johnnie following his unprovoked attack and a visitor tells the staff about an orphaned chimp living in Saudi Arabia.

Jun 29, 2026

Siamang gibbons Sage and Sam play happy families with baby Onion at Europe's largest ape rescue centre, Monkey World in Dorset.

Jun 29, 2026

Young gibbon Onion gains his independence, and Paddy loses his temper. Meanwhile, an orang-utan bonds with her offspring.

Jun 29, 2026

Three-year-old orphaned chimp Tutti flies into the nursery from Saudi Arabia. The team struggles when Jason the ugly monkey breaks his arm and needs it setting in plaster, while a snake in the grass upsets the tranquility of Paddy's posse.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin are stunned by what they witness during their travels around Thailand, while back in Dorset nursery boss Sally is thrilled to meet playful Saudi Arabian chimp Tutti.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin are faced with a dilemma when Olympia's milk dries up, and eventually realise they have to take baby chimp Hebe away. Charlie is diagnosed with arthritis, and a newborn gibbon overcomes a traumatic start in life.

Jun 29, 2026

Jim and Alison Cronin visit a Taiwanese rescue centre for endangered species, home to an array of animals such as tigers, gibbons and orang-utans - all of which were originally kept as family pets. Back at Monkey World, babies Hebe and Johni are introduced to each other.

Jun 29, 2026

The staff are baffled when a smuggled gibbon arrives at the sanctuary and Hebe and Johni are less than pleased when introduced to baby chimp Eddi.

Jun 29, 2026

im Cronin visits Turkey in search of Carli, the country's most famous primate, who appeared in the Jungle Book movie, and then his own TV series, in which he was trained to wear human clothes, kiss his leading ladies and deliver amusing antics right on cue. But his fame has led to an increase in the demand for pet monkeys, which in turn has meant an increase in the illegal trade of poaching and importing wild-caught chimps. Can Jim persuade Carli's owners to give up their money-spinning monkey for the safety of a new home in the UK?

Jun 29, 2026

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Jun 29, 2026

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Dec 02, 2003

Jim Cronin visits Turkey in search of Carli, the country's most famous primate. He appeared in his own TV series and was trained to wear human clothes, kiss his leading ladies and deliver amusing antics right on cue. Plus, baby chimps Hebe and Johnnie get up to more mischief.

Dec 02, 2003

Jimmy launches an unprovoked attack on Johnnie, leaving him injured and confused, and Turkish TV star Carli undergoes a health check-up, revealing the scars of his performing past.

Dec 03, 2003

The wildlife vet is called to the park to check on some bumps and bruises. Jim and Alison rescue an elderly capuchin monkey, and Turkish Carl gets his hands on a pair of makeshift sunglasses.

Dec 03, 2003

Young chimps Hebe and Johni meet up with the rest of the gang, and the new gibbon enclosure nears completion. Rodney and co are tempted by a tantalising block of ice, and baby Onion learns the ropes of his new home.

Dec 04, 2003

Turkish TV star Carl prepares to take his first steps in the outside world, and a wild cat gives the chimps in Rodney's Rabble cause for alarm. Hebe is reunited with her mother, Olympia, while her partner in crime Johnnie is forced to flee to the nursery when ousted from Paddy's posse.

Dec 04, 2003

Jim and Alison travel 12,000 miles to Taiwan to offer a new home to a charming orang-utan called Roro.

Dec 05, 2003

An orang-utan goes on the rampage in the Taiwanese capital while Jim and Alison Cronin are visiting the country on a mission of mercy. The smuggling of endangered species is also thrown into stark relief by the discovery of cages containing traumatised primates.

Dec 05, 2003

Excitement builds at Monkey World as the keepers await the arrival of the gibbons from Taiwan, but the team must work against the clock to ensure their new home is ready in time. Over in Taiwan, Jeremy makes a breakthrough with Tuan - the rampaging orang-utan now happily settled at the PingTung Rescue Centre.

Dec 06, 2003

Eight gibbons and an orang-utan called RoRo pass through Heathrow en route to Monkey World, where staff are preparing for their arrival - but before the newcomers can settle in, they must undergo strict health checks.

Dec 06, 2003

Orang-utan Amy's response to new housemate Roro is far from neighbourly, while baby chimps Johni and Hebe give Jeremy the cold shoulder after his 10-day absence. Alison receives news of Lulu, a one-armed chimp from Cyprus, who is looking for new accommodation.

Dec 07, 2003

One-armed chimp Lulu says goodbye to her human family in Cyprus and prepares for a new life among her own kind at Monkey World. Back at the rescue centre, baby chimp Johni shows signs of jealousy over the relationship between Hebe and mother Olympia. Meanwhile, retirement is on the cards for a group of stump-tailed macaques as their days at a research laboratory come to an end.

Dec 07, 2003

Lulu the one-armed chimp arrives from Cyprus and is not very happy with her new playmates, never having had contact with other apes before. Meanwhile, the stump-tailed macaques go on a low-calorie diet and the seven gibbons brought over from Taiwan thrive, thanks to the care and attention given by Zoe and the staff.

Oct 12, 2003

Vera calls in the experts when she becomes unable to care for her pet marmoset, Alberto prepares to leave Spain and there's a report on a three-inch-tall monkey living life to the full at the park.

Oct 19, 2003

Mike is kept busy on day duty and Jeremy has his work cut out trying to coax a new mum out of her baby blues. The woolly monkeys welcome a new arrival, while Nick ventures outside for the first time in his life, and Jim receives a make-or-break call from Turkey regarding chimpanzee Kuki.

Oct 26, 2003

Orang-utan Hsiao Ning celebrates her first birthday, young monkey Eddi pushes her luck with dad Paddy, and a new addition arrives at the park in the form of a golden-cheeked gibbon. Narrated by Chris Serle.

Nov 02, 2003

A golden-cheeked gibbon named Peanut amuses everyone with her unique brand of fun, the baby orang-utan is finally given a name and the team encounters problems getting Turkish chimpanzee Kuki back to Monkey World.

Nov 09, 2003

The park's second orang-utan birth is just around the corner, and the staff have to keep a close eye on the mum-to-be, while young chimps Pip and Ben prepare to join the nursery, and recent arrival Alberto undergoes an important operation.

Nov 16, 2003

Jim Cronin is reunited with mischievous chimp Kuki, while bachelor chimp Alberto explores his new home at the reserve in Dorset.

Nov 23, 2003

Recent arrival Kuki settles into her new home, and news reaches the sanctuary that she may have a half-sister living in Turkey.

Nov 30, 2003

The lemurs are separated following growing tensions among the group, and Kuki is introduced to her new family at the park.

Dec 07, 2003

Orang-utan Roro is in a bad mood and Jeremy Keeling worries about what could be wrong with one of his charges. Spanish chimp Alberto leaves his cage, while Sinbad is concerned when two new arrivals move in with him.

Dec 14, 2003

An update on chimpanzee Charlie, and a report on how Harry and her marmoset family are progressing.

Dec 21, 2003

The team arrives in Turkey to rescue Kuki's half-sister Zeynep, only to find several obstacles in their way. Back in Dorset, marmoset mother Harry introduces her newborn offspring, and there is a chance to see how the orang-utans and chimp toddler Eddi are getting on.

Dec 28, 2003

Jim and Alison try to rescue an injured capuchin monkey from the pet trade, baby orang-utan Hsiao Ning has an adventure and Zeynep is reunited with her half-sister Kuki.

Jan 04, 2004

Half-sisters Kuki and Zeynep take their next big step, and staff at the Dorset primate centre teach some of the other residents how to help with their own health care. Meanwhile, the lemurs and chimpanzees get their hands on some bubbly.

Jan 11, 2004

Bachelor chimp Alberto feels exhausted, Peanut the gibbon has a colourful experience, and animal manager Jeremy organises a chimpanzee photo shoot. Plus, a chance to catch up with Eddi, who is growing up fast in Paddy's group. Chris Serle narrates.

Feb 15, 2004

Woolly monkey Rosa heads for her new home in the Midlands, chimpanzee Johni undergoes surgery to remove a lump and Jim and Alison travel to Cambodia, where they help out at a wildlife rescue centre.

Feb 15, 2004

Jim and Alison visit northern Cambodia to investigate reports of gibbons being held illegally on floating zoos, while Spanish chimp Alberto meets a fellow bachelor back in Dorset. Johni's operation results are revealed and three-year-old Tutti has medical problems.

Feb 22, 2004

Young chimps Ben and Pip brave the great outdoors, home improvements excite the primate residents, and acrobatic monkey Simon struts his stuff. Plus, an update on the work of Jim and Alison in Cambodia.

Feb 22, 2004

New recruit Gordon the orang-utan puts his friendship with Hsiao Ning on hold while coping with a stomach complaint, and an alpha male tries to reassert its authority over the group of chimps. Plus, life after a traumatic start for a newborn. Chris Serle narrates.

Feb 29, 2004

Baby orang-utan Hsiao Ning shows her temper, while Seamus's unruly behaviour is too much for the other chimps. The team in Vietnam searches for local pet gibbons in a bid to give them more freedom. Narrated by Chris Serle.

Feb 29, 2004

The jungle team in Vietnam goes exploring around the area chosen for the new primate rescue centre.

Mar 07, 2004

Jim and Alison Cronin from Monkey World in Dorset visit a Thai gibbon sanctuary, where they uncover disturbing evidence of wildlife-smuggling.

Mar 07, 2004

Jim and Alison continue their investigation into Thai wildlife, uncovering stories of animal-smuggling and creatures made to perform in public.

Mar 14, 2004

After her unsociable behaviour, Cherri is allowed to return to the group, and the orang-utans enjoy some coconuts. The Vietnam adventure comes to an end on a high note as a site for the new gibbon rescue centre is secured. Narrated by Chris Serle.

Mar 14, 2004

A rare Goeldi's monkey, just three inches tall, is brought to the sanctuary. Although the species is usually quite reserved, it revels in all the attention it receives.

Mar 21, 2004

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Mar 21, 2004

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Mar 28, 2004

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Mar 28, 2004

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

Jun 26, 2005

The team discovers endangered orang-utans in need of rescue in Taiwan, while back in Dorset, monkeys Arthur and Sinbad enjoy a few creature comforts. A mercy mission unfolds in Africa as one Royal Marine fights to save the life of a baby chimp.

Jul 03, 2005

Dave suspects Cherry the chimp is pregnant, so swiftly arranges for her to take a test, Jeremy longs for a good night's sleep and there's disturbing news from Sierra Leone about orphaned baby Harry.

Jul 10, 2005

A precious Taiwanese cargo makes its way to Britain, concerns are raised about much-loved ring-tailed lemur Alice and there's a trip into the west African jungle to see how one baby chimp has settled into military life.

Jul 17, 2005

The staff anxiously await the results of lemur Alice's biopsy, and chimp Peggy unexpectedly gives birth, but is unable to care for her newborn baby.

Jul 24, 2005

Alison Cronin traces a capuchin monkey living the life of a Londoner, new mother Peggy rejects her baby at birth and preparations are made to rescue young chimp Harry from war-torn Sierra Leone.

Jul 31, 2005

Keeper Dave heads for the chemist to buy the chimps a little something for the weekend, Mike receives a present from the troublesome Gordon and, in Sierra Leone, Harry leaves his military foster home and is finally on his way to Monkey World.

Aug 07, 2005

A population explosion at the park takes place with a chimpanzee baby boom, and keeper Jeremy has sleepless nights feeding chimp Ben.

Aug 14, 2005

Jim Cronin travels to Istanbul to be reunited with Cookie, the baby chimp he thought he would never see again.

Aug 21, 2005

Alison heads out on the trail of a pet capuchin monkey living the life of a Londoner, and there is mystery surrounding a gibbon seized by customs officers.

Aug 28, 2005

Chimp youngsters Ben and Pip meet their foster mum Sally, Johni undergoes a biopsy to find the cause of her lump, and Alison reports on marmoset duo Bonnie and Clyde. Chris Serle narrates.

Sep 04, 2005

The park awaits its second orang-utan birth, and young chimps Ben and Pip are beginning to grow up and must join the nursery.

Sep 11, 2005

Keeper Jeremy tries to cope with larger-than-life youngsters Ben and Pip, there is a report on long-time resident Arthur, and officers set off on an emergency mission to Russia.

Sep 18, 2005

Chimps Seamus and Carli attempt to wind up Lulu, and the orang-utans get some prickly prizes to help with their boredom.

Sep 25, 2005

Youngsters Ben and Pip meet their boisterous uncle, and orang-utan Hsiao Quai gives birth. Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset.

Apr 30, 2006

Baby orang-utan Hsiao Ning meets the rest of her family face to face, and the position of chimp leader in Rodney's old group is decided.

May 07, 2006

Daily life at Europe's largest ape rescue centre in Dorset, focusing on the love affairs, family squabbles and strategic power moves among the biggest group of chimpanzees outside Africa.

May 14, 2006

Orang-utan Aris arrives at the park, while pregnant Hsiao Quai prepares to give birth.

May 21, 2006

Vet John Lewis accompanies the rescue centre's manager to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands on a mission to collect chimp Patricia, while back in Dorset concern grows over the health of 37-year-old capuchin monkey Pepe.

May 28, 2006

The dentist is called out when orang-utan A-Mei develops toothache. Patricia, the new arrival from Spain, makes a big impression as she is introduced to her chimp family, while baby Kai takes his first steps into the great outdoors.

Jun 04, 2006

The bachelor chimps cause havoc, baby orang-utan Kai gets to grips with the outside world and new arrival Patricia meets the big boss.

Jul 16, 2006

Monkey World's planned Vietnam project is finally given the go-ahead, while baby orang-utan Kai has trouble getting a firm grip on his mother. Plus, an insight into the life of the 'king of the swingers' Simon.

Jul 23, 2006

Alison Cronin is shocked to discover endangered gibbons left chained to trees in Vietnam. Jason undergoes a surgical procedure, and there's a report on an African chimp living in a Far Eastern zoo.

Jul 30, 2006

A medical emergency arises when chimpanzee Olympia falls gravely ill, while orang-utan babies Hsiao Ning and Aris settle into their new group.

Aug 06, 2006

Garlic proves to be a real hit with orang-utan Hsiao Ning. Chimpanzee Paddy shows age is no barrier to having fun, and there are investigations into Olympia's recent discomfort. Baby orang-utan Kai starts to get to grips with life, and Patricia is introduced to the boss.

Aug 13, 2006

There is a surprise delivery for Hananya's chimps, a mystery illness strikes the orang-utan nursery at the Dorset ape rescue centre, and eating machine Charlie makes an appearance.

Aug 20, 2006

Cathy the chimpanzee introduces her baby, and Hsiao-Quai shows that nothing will come between her and a meal.

Aug 27, 2006

A serious turn of events affects Cathy and her newborn baby, while the apes at the rescue centre are treated to a selection of mouth-watering goodies.

Sep 03, 2006

Featuring updates on the situation of chimpanzee Cathy and her baby, and the two nursery youngsters Ben and Pip.