Trentham Monkey Forest
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| Address |
Trentham Estate – Southern entrance, Stone Road
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| Telephone |
01782 659 845 |
| How to
Find it: |
From the M6: exit 15, take the A500 towards Stoke and leave at the exit A34 direction Stone, straight over the roundabout to The Trentham Estate and we are the next roundabout on the right (follow the brown signs).
From the M1: exit 23a or 24a and turn onto the A50 to Stoke on Trent follow signs to Trentham on to the A34. Then follow the brown signs to Monkey Forest. The Entrance is located at The Trentham Estate south entrance (roundabout on the A34).
Using your SatNav?
We are fairly new and our postcode does not yet guide you to us with your SatNav! but we have a solution, type ST12 9HR in your GPS and it will guide you to the Strongford Garage, when you arrive at the roundabound we are directly opposite the Strongford Garage, on your right coming from the north and on your left coming from the south!
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| Open: |
Check website for opening times. |
| Prices: |
Adults: £6.00 each
Oaps/students £5.50 each
Children (from 3 to 14 years old): £4.50 each
Disabled/carers (no restriction on numbers) £3.50 each
Under 3 years old Free of charge |
| Area: |
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No of Species |
No of Animals |
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Star
Rating |
| Mammals |
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Conservation |
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| Birds |
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Enclosures |
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| Reptiles |
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Education |
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| Amphibians |
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Recreation |
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| Fish |
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Research |
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| Total |
0 |
0 |
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Click here for a Link to the Zoo’s own Web Pages
Write a
review of this zoo
This critique last updated:
Jul 2009
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Visitor Reviews Anonymous review 2009 I will start by saying that Monkey Forest is not a 'zoo' in the normal sense of the word, the animals are free ranging and wild. The park is new, having only opened in 2005 and so it is on a small scale. There is only one species in the Forest, the Barbary Macaque, and the focus is on conservation which is why there is only this endangered species here. There are grassed areas for picnics, as well as an undercover eating area, and various picnic benches throughout the courtyard. The highlights for us were: The design:- This is a 60 acre forest with free ranging Monkeys. There are no high barriers, or electric wires, separating you from the animals, they are free to walk on the path in front of you if they so wish. You are not encouraged to get up close to the Monkeys, due to them not being tame, however you can easily get to within 1-2 meters. The concept:- The aim at Monkey Forest is to get these Monkeys back into the wild, and unlike zoo animals this is realistic as they are already kept in wild conditions. There is no artificial enrichment, the animals are literally allowed to just 'get on with it'. The babies:- Birthing season is in the Summer and so we were lucky enough to see 2 babies. They were both being babysat by adult Males when we visited and were a joy to see clambering around on Dad. The information: There is an information room, a video on loop and the Guides in the Forest seem to be employed mainly to give information out to visitors. The guides are all over the forest, you can not miss them in their bright Yellow tops, and they are friendly, approachable, knowledgeable (and all blonde!). They give talks at quarter past every hour but are also available all day to answer your questions, explain the Monkeys behaviour, and point out the characters to you. The disappointments for us were: Cafe:- The Cafe is very small so you might have to eat your lunch outside, but there are plenty of tables provided. There is only one set of toilets however these are maintained well. The cafe is pleasant, it is small but has a good selection. We only saw one drinks machine but both the shop and cafe do sell refreshments. The shop was pretty good, unlike most zoo shops which put anything animal-like in there, this shop did only stock items to do with Monkeys which we loved. There are plenty of 'pocket money' gifts for children to buy, and some slightly more expensive items for the adults. The car park is free and ample, only a 2 minute walk from the entrance. The guidebook was reasonably priced, although small and it includes a map. There are 2 children's play areas, one for toddlers and one for older children. Due to the nature of Monkey Forest this is a must for anyone interested in wildlife photography. There are no bars or wires restricting your views and the Monkeys are so close you can get some excellent shots. Even better, the photographs you will take show the animals behaving in their wild manner. Monkey Forest is on a small scale, it is probably not a whole day out for most people. However it is amazing to see Primates being kept how they should be, it is a lovely setting, atmosphere and a great value for your current £6 entrance fee.
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