The Legacy of Jim Cronin MBE

James "Jim" Michael Cronin MBE (15 November 1951?17 March 2007) was the founder in 1987 of Monkey World in Dorset, a sanctuary for abused and neglected primates. He was widely acknowledged as an international expert in the rescue and rehabilitation of abused primates, and in the enforcement of international treaties aimed at protecting them from illegal trade and experimentation.

Jim started his work with primates through working as a zoo keeper in various zoos. In 1980 he came to Britain where he acquired a job as a zoo keeper at John Aspinall's Zoo. His passion for working with primates made him successful in his career and gave him the necessary experience and awareness of the plight of primates worldwide to one day build a safe haven for those mistreated.

Since the creation of the refuge, Jim personaly travelled to organise and oversee the rescue of animals worldwide. He died at the Cabrini Medical Center, Manhattan, New York, on 17 March 2007, following a brief illness. His wife Alison is now in charge of Monkey World and recalls his infectious enthusiasm was an inspiration to all who worked with him.

If you're ever in the vicinity, http://www.monkeyworld.org/ is well worth a visit (but take a picnic if you'd rather eat as healthily as the apes)

EDIT: see more in the flickr set here