The Monkey Sanctuary was founded in 1964 by Len Williams, father of classical guitarist
John Williams
John Towner Williams (born February 8, 1932)Nylund, Rob (November 15, 2022)Classic Connection review, ''WBOI'' ("For the second time this year, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic honored American composer, conductor, and arranger John Williams, who w ...
, as a
cooperative
A cooperative (also known as co-operative, coöperative, co-op, or coop) is "an autonomy, autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned a ...
to care for rescued
woolly monkey
The woolly monkeys are the genus ''Lagothrix'' of New World monkeys, usually placed in the family Atelidae.
Both species in this genus originate from the rainforests of South America. They have prehensile tails and live in relatively large soci ...
s. Based in
Looe,
Cornwall
Cornwall (; or ) is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South West England. It is also one of the Celtic nations and the homeland of the Cornish people. The county is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, ...
, England, it is home to woolly monkeys descended from the original residents, a growing number of
capuchin monkeys rescued from the British
pet trade, many
marmosets, and a small group of rescued
macaque
The macaques () constitute a genus (''Macaca'') of gregarious Old World monkeys of the subfamily Cercopithecinae. The 23 species of macaques inhabit ranges throughout Asia, North Africa, and Europe (in Gibraltar). Macaques are principally f ...
s.
A colony of rare
lesser horseshoe bats live in the cellar of Murrayton House, a 19th-century building that is staff offices and accommodation for staff and volunteers.
The Monkey Sanctuary is the flagship project of Wild Futures (UK registered Charity number 1102532).
In 2025, the Sanctuary site Murrayton House was placed up for sale citing growing financial pressure
Notes
References
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External links
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Wild Futures
{{authority control
Animal charities based in the United Kingdom
Buildings and structures in Cornwall
Co-operatives in the United Kingdom
Organizations established in 1964
Primate sanctuaries
Tourist attractions in Cornwall
Zoos in England
Zoos established in 1964
1964 establishments in England