ROPES previously used to tie up ferries to the Isle of Wight have been handed to Monkey World in Dorset to help apes exercise.

More than 100 metres of worn-out rope will be used in various monkey enclosures at the centre near Wool. 

They were previously used by WightLink to tie up vessels bound for the island at Lymington in Hampshire, but will now be used as a key exercise tool at the Dorset attraction. 

“We need to replace rope regularly for safety reasons and always look for good causes which might find it useful,” said Wightlink chief executive Keith Greenfield.

“We were delighted when Monkey World expressed an interest and delivered it to the park.”

Monkey World rescues primates from the illegal pet and smuggling trades around the world, rehabilitates them and gives them a home for life in its 65-acre park. 

It also gives people a chance to adopt a primate, money from which goes to a fund which is used solely for their rescue and rehabilitation. 

“Monkey World is home to over 260 primates, many of whom have been rescued from awful cruelty, abuse or neglect," said Charlie Crowther from Monkey World, who received some of Wightlink’s surplus rope from its head of mainland ports, Arron Taylor.

"At our sanctuary, they can enjoy the companionship of their own kind and live as naturally as possible in safety for the rest of their lives. 

“We were very pleased when Wightlink got in touch and offered to donate rope to us, as we use it in many enclosures for our rescued and endangered monkeys and apes.

"The strong, durable rope enables us to provide stimulating outside environments, linking together trees in a way that encourages natural locomotion.

"This rope will come in very handy when refreshing our enclosures."

Monkey World is also offering children aged three to 15 half-price entry to the park this half-term from February 11-19.

Parents can book online at www.monkeyworld.org/book-tickets