If you are an animal-lover who likes to get close-up and personal with creatures, this is the place for you! Not only monkeys, but also owls and other birds, reptiles, meercats and reptiles. As a rescue centre,Monkey Haven provides a sanctuary for rescued animals that have been abused or ill-treated in the past and would be unable to survive in the wild.
It is a fairly new enterprise which is becoming one of the Island’s most popular places to visit, so much so that when we were there extra enclosures being built for further creatures. These and the existing animal areas are spacious and thoughtfully equipped to enable the residents there to enjoy the most natural life-styles possible.
The whole area was attractively presented and immaculately kept. The staff are friendly and informative and there is a programme of talks and feeding times. We met a beautiful eagle owl who had been born at the Haven. He had the startling trick of suddenly turning itself upside-down and hanging from his keeper’s arm, imitating a Christmas turkey!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. My sister and I are both in our 70’s, but we saw a mix of ages from babies in pushchairs upwards. The toilets were excellent, clean and easy to find. The food from the cafe was freshly made and service efficient. There were plenty of seats indoors and out, and there was provision for the disabled. We were there in early May so have no experience of high season variation.
We travelled there easily by bus but there seemed to be ample free parking.
We hope to visit the Island again later in the year when Monkey Haven will be at the top of our list!
