20 years of Monkey Memories at Trentham Monkey Forest: Celebrating Two Decades of Barbary Macaque Conservation
2025 is a monumental year for Trentham Monkey Forest, as we celebrate 20 incredible years of connecting people with the enchanting world of Barbary macaques, as they simply go about their monkey lives in our 60-acre Staffordshire woodland.
From the moment our gates first opened in 2005, we’ve been a haven of discovery, a hub for conservation, and a place where unforgettable memories are made – being the ONLY UK Monkey Forest!
As we enter 2025, we want to let you know what we have in store for you, as we re-open our gates in 2025 on the 15th February!
Nostalgic Tribute: A Face Made of Memories
This year, we’ve unveiled something truly special, a breathtaking photo collage created by renowned artist Nathan Wyburn.
Using over 500 images captured at Monkey Forest over the past two decades, Nathan has immortalized our journey in stunning art!
We asked you to submit your images to us and every image tells a story — joyful moments shared with our team, historic events and amazing monkey memories that have helped shape our park into what it is today.
Each year since our opening is represented in the collage, culminating in a familiar face: ‘Dee,’ the first ever baby born at Trentham Monkey Forest.
Born to our German group — a lineage tracing back to our sister park in Germany — Dee grew up to become the group’s chief, a testament to the strength and legacy of our conservation efforts.
Now 20 years old and no longer top of the tree, Dee’s face symbolises not just our past but also our hope for the future of Barbary macaques being the first baby born – as we actively fight Barbary macaque extinction by aiming to see between 6-10 babies born each year within the forest. Over 100 babies have been in the forest since Dee’s arrival. More than 5 generations of monkeys have since flourished within the park, living a rich and fulfilling life.
20 Years of Conservation Success
Trentham Monkey Forest is more than a visitor attraction; it’s a vital player in the conservation of Barbary macaques. We’re a research facility for this remarkable species as over 100 research projects have been conducted here, increasing the knowledge on the species. Over the last two decades, we’ve worked tirelessly to protect this endangered species, raise awareness, and foster a connection between humans and these remarkable primates.
With only around 8,000 Barbary macaques left in the wild, our mission is more urgent than ever. Every visit to Monkey Forest directly supports our conservation initiatives, ensuring these wonderful monkeys have a bright future.
Save the Date: 19th July 2025
Mark your calendars for our official birthday: 19th July 2025, when we’ll be hosting a ‘Birthday Bonanza’ to celebrate this extraordinary milestone!
What to expect:
- 20% off tickets for all visitors in honor of 20 amazing years.
- Workshops, activities, and surprise events (details coming soon!)
Whether you’ve visited us before or this is your first time, this celebration promises something for everyone — and a chance to create new monkey memories at the park as we look back on the last 20 years!
Join the Celebration!
As we step into this exciting new chapter, we invite you to share your own Monkey Forest memories.
Did you capture a perfect picture of our monkeys? Maybe your child took their first steps here? Or perhaps you remember Dee as a tiny baby?
We’d love to hear your stories!
Tag us on social media with #MonkeyForest20 and help us celebrate two decades of connection, conservation, and community.
We’re looking forward to helping make your 2025 a year to remember.
Come for the monkeys, stay for the memories, and leave as part of our past, present and future!
If you’d like to come visit us, we have today made our online tickets available. Book your magical visit in 2025 by clicking here
Thank you for supporting us during the last 20 years, we hope we have helped you to make some precious monkey memories here in Trentham.