Throng

Weekdays at 6:30pm on five

Continuing on Five this week is the documentary series following the day-to-day lives of over 250 monkeys, chimps, orangutans and other animals that live in one of the largest primate rescue centres in the world.

Set in the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in Dorset, this much-loved series follows the nail-biting rescue and rehabilitation stories of some of the most abused and neglected primates in the world. Each episode focuses on the unwavering hard work of Alison Cronin and her team in their ongoing mission to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild.

Since its doors were first opened, Monkey World has rescued primates from 18 different countries all over the world. The most recent country to benefit from the centre’s work is Chile, where animals were being used in laboratories, as exotic pets, as photographers’ props and as circus animals. Once the animals have been safely transferred to Devon, the primate care staff at Monkey World ensure that their charges are given the best possible love and attention for the rest of their lives.

In the week’s opening episode on Monday , the team must make a big decision concerning the safety of one of the chimp groups when alpha male Hananya continues to exhibit violent behaviour. Elsewhere, chimps Simon and Eveline have a swing-off, and there is some dental surgery to be done. There is great excitement as the park gets ready for its next woolly monkey birth.

In Tuesday’s instalment, baby chimp Bart gets all grown up and goes it alone. The fearless members of the Bachelor Boys group are frightened by a new toy! In Hananya’s group, Ben and Pip finally pluck up the courage to fully explore their new home. And it is all change for the Chilean capuchin monkeys as they are introduced to the outside world for the first time in their lives.

On Wednesday , there is a morning sing-off at the park to get everyone up for the day. Golden-cheeked gibbon Zoey introduces a very rare new addition to her family. Over in Hananya’s group, hot potatoes are on the menu. A fight amongst the capuchin girls leaves Phoebe with a nasty bite wound that will need surgery.

Thursday’s episode sees baby woolly monkey Paulo meet his new family for the first time. Young chimpanzee Eddi has fun and games with baby brother Bart. Pregnant orangutan Amy gets to grips with a breast pump. And emotions run high when Mad Max the marmoset arrives at the park to be with others of his own kind.

In the final instalment of the week on Friday , Mad Max meets his new housemates. Chimps Ben and Pip are in shock after another meeting with Hananya. Over in the woolly monkey enclosure, Piquita is the centre of attention. And in Paddy’s chimp group, Bart enjoys his first taste of honey!