Allan Collins

Review of Wild Futures

Went here a few years ago when my son expressed an...

Went here a few years ago when my son expressed an interest in possibly working with animals after uni. At that time the place felt welcoming and informative, we spoke at length with some students who were on work placements from a couple of veterinary colleges who were really interested in telling us about the day to day workings with the various monkeys that they look after. I've tried coming back numerous times this year and it seems to be hardly ever open. When I finally managed to visit, the place seems a shadow of itself. Firstly you are advised that you use the car park at your own risk, due to subsidence. So a visitor attraction knows that their visitors could potentially damage or lose their car if the car park was to slide into the sea!
The day I went there were very few monkeys around, most were inside their territories rather than outside in the open, I understand this, it's not a zoo and they are not exhibits to be gawked at, however there was so little else to see and the information boards looked worn out.
The few staff around looked like bored teenagers doing summer jobs and showed no interest in their roles. Having had a decent meal in the raised cafe last time I decided to pass this time, it really looked quite grotty and dilapidated.
Unfortunately the sanctuary looks tired and just seems to want to take your money and not offer much in return...quite sad really