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DoodlebearsI am feeling upset at the moment because the most wonderful guy, Jim Cronin, who ran Monkey World here in the UK, has died. Jim was a great guy who, with his wife Alison spent his life rescuing apes and monkeys from people who illegally smuggled primates from the wild. Most of these poor creatures have been badly abused. Here's the report about Jim and his work.
I had the fortune to have met and spoken with Jim and shared laughter and sadness with him.
Jim Cronin passed away 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 centre, 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 honour of Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for Services to Animal Welfare. The well-loved series, Monkey Business, has documented their frequent rescue missions and undercover investigations throughout Europe and Asia for the past 10 years, and a new series is in production.
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 globally, will continue as a fitting memorial to a man whose life touched so many around the world.
Jane. 
Pumpkin & Pickle BearsOh Jane, that is so sad. I loved watching Monkey Business and went to Monkey World a few times as a child. What did he die of? He certainly wasn't old.
So sorry to hear this sad news Jane......Jim sounded a very special person.... 
Hugs Yvonne :hug:
DoodlebearsHi Gemma, Jim died on Saturday, eight weeks after being diagnosed with liver cancer, he was 55 years old.
Hugs Jane.
Jellybelly BearsOh Jane I'm so sorry...it only makes it worse that he was such a lovely giving person
Newcastle, OntarioJane, how very, very sad. I'm not familiar with his work or the programme, but it is always heartbreaking when such a young person dies, especially when they have such a kind and giving spirit and love of animals.
hugs,
Brenda
MerBear OriginalsThat's one of my favourite shows on Animal Planet and I've always admired their work with primates. It's like losing Steve Irwin - so tragic to the world.
Marion
Chaska, Minnesotahow sad...We need more people like Jim Cronin in this world.....
What an attractive man. One just has to admire people who go out and tackle the world and work with animals in distress.- Me, I would never be able to do this. I can donate, raise funds and assist in this way, but facing the horrors that happen to some of these animals would tear me apart.
Lynette
VallierBearsOh my god! I'm sure most of you don't know but I have a passion for monkeys and always was inspired by the monkey bussiness program and jim and his wife. I was just watching it today! For my birthday in january I was going down to monkey world but the car had hickups the day before, I was so upset!
I do hope that they are continuing the saving of monkeys lives program they have started in his absence....
Richy~
DoodlebearsHi Richy, sorry you had to miss out on going to Monkey World, maybe you can plan your trip for later in the year. Yes Alison, Jim's wife and the team at Monkey World will be carrying on with the rescue of these poor mistreated and endangered animals. I am going down there again in June, it won't seem the same without Jim's smiling face greeting everyone.
Hugs Jane.
Country BearsThis is truly a tragic loss, I'm still so upset and shocked, I had no idea until Jane told me yesterday. Our family also sponsor a chimp at the centre, our hearts go out to Alison and the staff at the centre who must be just devastated - we are too.....
