Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

Name: Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary
Address: Caehopkin, Abercrave, Swansea Valley, SA9 1UD, GB

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary is home to over 200 animals across 40 species, most of them primates rescued from unwanted or difficult situations. On your walk around you’ll meet chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, meerkats and a serval cat, alongside non-primate residents like Highland cattle, wolf dogs, horses, donkeys and rescue pigs.

This is a genuine sanctuary rather than a zoo, so there’s no breeding programme and nothing here has been taken from the wild. Animals stay for life, and your visit directly funds their care. For an extra treat, older children and adults can book a Meet & Greet, getting up close with the chimps, monkeys or serval cat alongside a head keeper. There’s also a small charity shop on site with gifts, vintage clothing and refreshments.

About Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary sits just a few minutes over the Neath Port Talbot border, in Powys, founded in 1998 by Jan and Graham Garen. It’s home to over 200 rescued animals across 40 species, most of them primates, all cared for for life rather than displayed for show. It’s close enough to count as a proper day out for NPT families, and this charity works so hard for its animals that it earns a place on our list regardless of the county line.

Prices

No need to book for general admission, just turn up between 10.30am and 4pm. Adults (15+) pay £14, juniors (3 to 14) pay £9, and under 3s go free. Seniors (65+) pay £12, as do registered disabled visitors and their carers, all with valid ID. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is £38, or £42.50 for a larger family of 2 adults and 3 children. Meet & Greet experiences with the chimps, monkeys or serval cat must be booked by phone, from £50 to £120 per person, which includes general admission on the day.

FAQs

Is Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary a zoo? ▼

No, it's a genuine sanctuary rather than a zoo. There's no breeding programme, nothing is taken from the wild, and animals aren't supplied to other organisations. Residents stay for the rest of their lives.

Do I need to book in advance? ▼

Not for general admission, you can just turn up during opening hours. Meet & Greet experiences do need booking by phone, as these are limited and popular.

Is the sanctuary wheelchair accessible? ▼

Wheelchair access is available across most of the site, though some terrain may not suit everyone. It's worth calling ahead if you have any concerns.

What animals will we see? ▼

You'll meet chimpanzees, baboons, spider monkeys, capuchins, vervet monkeys, marmosets, macaques, a pileated gibbon and a brown lemur among the primates, plus meerkats, turkeys, Zebu and Highland cattle, wolf dogs, a serval cat, a savannah cat, red foxes, African grey parrots, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, and rescue cats, dogs and rabbits.

How far is it from Neath Port Talbot? ▼

It's only a few minutes' drive over the border into Powys, making it an easy day trip from the NPT area.

If Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary sounds like your kind of place, we’ve plenty more suggestions to add to your family days bucket list, take a look at our full guide to animal attractions in West Wales for more family friendly options across the region. Don’t forget to add it to your calendar, and check our What’s On West Wales guide for more days out ideas.

Location: Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary

Caehopkin

Abercrave

Swansea Valley

SA9 1UD

Opening Times:

Open daily, 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) late March to late October, and 10.30am to 4pm (last entry 3pm) late October to late March. Closed 24, 25 and 26 December.

Enry Costs: