The series follows the work of the staff at Monkey World, who have rescued primates being mistreated in laboratories, being kept as exotic pets, or used as photographers' props etc.

The sanctuary, which was originally a small and derelict pig farm, is now home to over 250 primates from 21 different species[1] and has animals rescued from 18 countries.

The TV series is now in its fifteenth series and is filmed by Primate Planet Productions Ltd., who are based on-site and accompany Dr. Alison Cronin and her staff on all international and UK rescues, documenting the team's work in their ongoing mission to stop the illegal smuggling of primates from the wild.

[4] According to the Dorset Echo, "The programme is one of the longest running docu-soaps on TV as its former incarnation, Monkey Business, first appeared on screens in 1998.

[11] The late Jim Cronin founded Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre in 1987, and brought Jeremy Keeling on board as animal director, while Jim made it his mission to grow the rescue operation, design & build new facilities and educate visitors about the park's purpose & vision.