Monkey Haven - Primate Rescue Centre Reviews Summary

Animal Care

Pros:

• "The animals are all so well cared for and although the haven is relatively small we spent over 2 hours here and loved every single minute."
• "The animals are clearly well looked after by passionate and caring staff."
• "Most of the animals here have been rescued and now have a happy peaceful life."
• "The Monkeys and other creatures are so well looked after, you can see they are content."
• "The keepers do an amazing job of looking after the lovely animals here, a lot of which are rescues."
• "The animals had very large enclosures which were very well maintained and clean."
• "All animals here look well cared for, enclosures and park were clean, play areas well kept as well as bench/lunch areas."

Cons:

• "A shame that these animals aren't in their natural environment but, for some of them it is the best place for them."
• "Fine zoo...but as zoo's go- poor animals and birds are couped up in relatively small closures."
• "The owl enclosures seemed a little small."
• "Kookaburra needs a bigger cage I think, looked a bit stressed."
• "Mixed feelings about this place - it's a rescue centre fair enough, but monkeys are in cages, I am not a big fan of it."

Staff and Talks

Pros:

• "Keepers talk we attended seemed very knowledgeable and passionate however it didn't feel like it was scripted and as such did feel like it went on for quite a while bouncing between subjects not flowing."
• "Jordan was the main speaker on the day we visited and was excellent."
• "The Keepers deliver informative and entertaining talks."
• "The regular zookeeper talks were very informative and entertaining."
• "Zoo Keeper Jordan is fantastic. You can tell he really cares for the animals and has so much knowledge."
• "The girls doing the talks were very informative and kept us interested in the monkeys here at the haven."
• "The staff are very informative and the talks are brilliant and explain all about the struggle they have to save/protect these beautiful animals."

Cons:

• "The service at the cafe was really poor. Even though the queue was short (3) it was 20 minutes to get a couple of coffees."
• "The 4 stars are for the ticket price. Its too high and children should be allowed in free at least under 5s."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Being disabled means it's hard for me to walk too far but this was just perfect."
• "Car park was accessible and free."
• "The whole grounds are beautifully set out with easy access for mobility."
• "The majority of the park is mobility scooter friendly with lips on the doors generally being able to be overcome."
• "The site is fully wheelchair accessible."
• "Every area (apart from the picnic tables) was wheelchair accessible."
• "Wheelchair access is good, though with gravel between the paving slab paths you won't be able to take shortcuts."

Cons:

• "As a tourist site there is some work to do as the toilets (male & female) had a powerful ammonia stench, which was extremely unpleasant."
• "Only downside is the bus stop! Can only take bus 9. and the bus stop to go back to Newport is across the road but literally on the road, not safe with young kids especially when the bus runs late and kids get impatient..."
• "The only real exception I noticed was the reptile area which I couldn't get into so I had to wait outside."
• "Unfortunately the sandwiches weren't made to order and so, as we were after lunchtime, our choice was limited."
• "The only thing I think it could do with is an extra baby changing facility."

Value and Experience

Pros:

• "Even if you only go once, it's a place suitable and interesting for all, know that the entrance fee you pay (concessions available) is purely for the health and upkeep of the monkeys lucky enough to find their way here."
• "Such a great impromptu trip."
• "Fantastic place! Not huge but we have spent a few hours there."
• "Visited twice in a week as you get a free return pass for 7 days, which is a really lovely touch."
• "An amazing day out with free return in 7 days…what more could you ask for! Staff and volunteers were knowledgeable, engaging and friendly."
• "We had a lovely day and would have rated higher than five stars if possible because what shone through was how the animals welfare was at the centre of everything that goes on at the Haven."
• "The ticket was a decent price and offers free re entry up to 7 days."

Cons:

• "It may feel expensive for a family - especially compared to a larger ‘zoo’."
• "We also ate at the café which was rather expensive but please bear in mind this is a charity and all monies goes into caring for the animals."
• "It was too hot to enjoy it properly - mother was busy finding shady places to hide in, and I can only assume some of the animals also."
• "It definitely isn’t a full day out and I think the ticket price is a bit high for what is there."