20 Years of Monkey Memories

This year marks a major milestone at Trentham Monkey Forest, as we’ve officially turned 20 years old.

Since first opening our gates in 2005, we’ve welcomed millions of visitors to experience the magic of walking among free-roaming Barbary macaques in our 60-acre Staffordshire woodland. 

Visitors are able to witness first hand these remarkable primates living extremely similar lives to the wild. An opportunity that is completely unique to the UK and an activity that can only be done here in Staffordshire at Trentham Monkey Forest.

These incredible animals, which are highly endangered, with fewer than 8,000 left in the wild, have been at the heart of everything we do, from conservation and education to unforgettable family experiences.

To celebrate two decades of monkey memories, we hosted a Birthday Bonanza on the very same day that we opened our doors back in 2005 (19th July) to commemorate the day! Tickets were 20% off, and so much was going on across the site.

The event brought awesome sounds from Drum Café -  an interactive drum experience, cool photo opportunities with Louie the animatronic Orangutan, fantastic fables delivered by wonderful storytellers, Powell's Puppets and Fern and Fable, creative workshops and explorations by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, beautiful henna by Cherrie, and much more.

The event was a huge success, bringing together loyal visitors, new families, and monkey lovers of all ages to celebrate everything that makes Trentham Monkey Forest so special.

As always, our dedicated team, including Anna & Diane, our Head Guides, who have been with us since day one, were on hand to share insights, answer questions, and make the day even more memorable.

Hundreds of pictures from over the years were hung in the undercover area, and long-standing members of the Monkey Forest team looked on with smiles as they reminisced about memories and the monkeys that have helped define what the park is today.

Park Director Matt Lovatt said

"It’s been an incredible 20 years of caring for these unique primates, inspiring visitors, and supporting important conservation efforts here in Stoke-on-Trent. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about what’s ahead. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate. Here’s to the next 20 years.”