Alison Cronin facts for kids

Alison Lorraine Cronin, MBE (born September 1966) is an American animal expert. She is the director of Monkey World in Dorset, England. This special place is a sanctuary for monkeys and apes. Alison helps primates who have been abused or neglected. She is known around the world for rescuing and helping these animals. She also works to stop the illegal trade of primates.

In 2006, Alison Cronin was given a special award. She became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was for her great work in animal welfare. Her husband also received this award. They were honored for starting the Endangered Asian Species Trust.

Alison's Early Life and Journey

Alison Lorraine Ames was born in September 1966. Her hometown was San Diego, California, in the United States. She studied about humans and animals at Cambridge University. While living in the UK, she met Jim Cronin in 1993. Jim had started Monkey World.

Alison and Jim got married in 1996. They both worked as directors at Monkey World. After Jim passed away, Alison continued to run the sanctuary. She also kept fighting against animal smuggling and the illegal pet trade.

Saving Primates on TV

Alison Cronin became well-known through a TV series. It was called Monkey Business. This show followed her and her team on rescue missions. They traveled across Europe and Asia. The show began in 1998. Later, in 2007, it was replaced by Monkey Life.

These shows documented many exciting rescues. One of the biggest rescues happened in January 2008. Alison led a huge effort to save 88 Capuchin monkeys. These monkeys were rescued from Chile.

Helping Primates in Vietnam

In 2008, Alison helped create a new center. It is called the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. This center is located in Cát Tiên National Park in Southern Vietnam. It focuses on rescuing, helping, and releasing endangered primates.

The center helps several types of monkeys and apes. These include golden-cheeked gibbons and black-shanked douc langurs. They also help silvered langurs and pygmy lorises. Alison has also written books about primates. She works hard to change laws to better protect these animals.

Recognized for Her Work

In 2018, Alison Cronin received a special honor. Oxford Brookes University gave her an honorary degree. This was to recognize all her important work with animals.