Wild Futures has closed its monkey sanctuary near Looe, Cornwall, after more than 60 years because the site has developed structural problems and is no longer considered suitable for long-term use. The charity said a potential sale intended to secure investment collapsed after six months of negotiations, leaving it unable to justify the cost of repairs while protecting the monkeys’ welfare.

Founded in 1964, the sanctuary began by rescuing woolly monkeys from the pet trade and later became Europe’s first Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries-accredited wildlife sanctuary. It had closed to visitors during 2025 amid financial pressures, and has now begun rehoming its monkeys with selected organisations; an emergency appeal will seek funds for the significant costs involved.