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  • From: Carrie McLaren <carrie AT stayfreemagazine.org>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] New reality TV series stars primates
  • Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:53:38 -0500

Monkey Business
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tv2_story_skin/469578%3fformat=html

Screens weeknights at 5:00pm from Monday 24 January
Fri 21 Jan 17:48:35 2005

Join the monkeys from Europe's largest ape sanctuary in TV2's new wildlife series Monkey Business screening weeknights at 5.00pm from Monday.

Monkey Business goes behind-the-scenes of Monkey World in Dorset, UK. Founded by New Yorker Jim Cronin and his wife Alison, Monkey World provides a community for 105 of the world's primates. The animals in Monkey Business have been sent to Monkey World after suffering abuse in illegal pet trades, in world circuses and by Spanish beach photographers.

Throughout the series, Monkey Business will follow the adventures of Jim and Alison, as well as their head keeper Jeremy and the monkeys themselves. The keepers will be put to the test keeping the park's cheeky animals under control - which is no mean feat.

On a daily basis, Jeremy interacts with two groups of monkeys. The first is headed by the 29-year-old chimp, Rodney, who arrived at Monkey World after his zoo closed down several years earlier. There are problems in Rodney's group, as the females are spiralling out of control and Rodney needs help. Rodney's second-in-charge, Charlie, is unable to lead after developing a mental illness on the Spanish beaches. Charlie was used as a prop for photos and was taught to inject himself with valium. He has subsequently developed a drug addiction and cannot command the respect of his fellow monkeys.

Jeremy worries about Charlie on a daily basis. "With our species and with chimps, there is a certain amount of competitiveness. Charlie isn't competitive, so everybody leaves him alone."

In light of the sad histories of many of the park's residents, Cronin is determined that the monkeys are as comfortable in their English surroundings as possible. He battled for six years to find the funding to begin the park. "The whole thing was doomed and on top of having no money, you announce to the world that you're going to rescue every chimp, bar none," he says.

Jim and Alison's work paid off, with Monkey World receiving thousands of visitors each year. The entrance fees keep the monkeys fed and the park running. The now-healthy monkeys now enjoy a lifestyle free of pain and suffering.

In the first episode of Monkey Business, Jeremy, Jim and Alison experience teething problems with Mike, a new keeper. Later, there are monkey problems to deal with, including love triangles and male-versus-female monkey wars.




  • [monkeywire] New reality TV series stars primates, Carrie McLaren, 01/21/2005

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