Jim Cronin, a true friend of the monkeys, has died.

From the Monkey World site:

JIM CRONIN

Jim Cronin died on March 17, 2007 at Cabrini Medical Center in Manhattan. Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, he has been a resident of Great Britain for more than two decades where he and his wife Alison have operated the internationally renowned ape rescue center, Monkey World, which works with governments around the world to halt the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia. Jim was educated at St. Denis School and Lincoln High School in Yonkers.

During the past 20 years, Jim established himself as an international expert in the rescue and rehabilitation of abused primates, and the enforcement of international treaties aimed at protecting primates from illegal trade and experimentation. Jim founded Monkey World which he and Alison built from a small refuge to a 65 acre wildlife park that is home to more than 160 rescued primates of 16 different species and is rated as one of the most popular family destinations in England. Last year Jim was awarded the honor of Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for Services to Animal Welfare. The cable television channel Animal Planet has documented their frequent rescue missions and undercover investigations throughout Europe and Asia for the past 10 years in the series Monkey Business and will be airing new programs in the USA in the fall.

Jim had a passion for life and the conservation of wildlife that was an inspiration to all who knew him. His enthusiasm was infectious and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Jim’s legacy will continue under the guidance of his devoted wife, Dr Alison Cronin. Monkey World and the numerous projects Jim and Alison set up around the world will continue as a fitting memorial to a man whose life touched so many around the world.

Monkey World have set up a fund in memory of Jim to continue his legacy and all donations should be made payable to the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund and sent to Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH.

We thank everyone for their continuing support.

I encourage all monkeys and their human friends to support the fund.

Jim, who brought life and joy to so many monkeys and apes, will be sadly missed.

Book Monkey Nominated for Award

Great news about our comrade Book Monkey. His shop has been shortlisted for an award. See this article for details.