7:53am Monday 14th September 2009
By Andy Martin
CHARITY fundraisers at Monkey World took the plunge yesterday – all one hundred and sixty five feet of it – for a cause very close their heart.
Dozens of amateur daredevils participated in a Bungee Madness day of fun at the Dorset animal primate sanctuary to raise money in the name of its founder and continued inspiration, Jim Cronin.
The jumpers, who included Daily Echo photographer Sally Adams, were cheered on by a large crowd who could only watch in awe – and probably relief that they weren’t doing it themselves.
Leading the way on the giant leap was Jim’s widow, Dr Alison Cronin.
Afterwards she said: “I’d never done anything like this before so it was a rather terrifying.
“But as with everything at Monkey World, when you’re in, you’re in.
“When I got to the top, I thought ‘Wow! This is really high. But it was incredible. There’s a great view of Monkey World from this height.”
Alison stepped in at the last minute after doctors told animal director, Jeremy Keeling, he shouldn’ t risk taking part because of back problems.
She added: “Jeremy is so important to the lives of our primates, we certainly can’t take any chances with his health!”
The day was also a chance to reflect on the work of Monkey World founder Jim who died of cancer in his native New York in March 2007.
He built the sanctuary from a small park to a globally renowned rescue and rehabilitation centre working with governments around the world to help abused primates and enforce international treaties.
That work continues, partly through the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund, established by Alison after his death.
Entertainment at the event was provided free by popular local rock and soul party band, the aptly named Brass Monkeys whose set included a number from the Jungle Book and appropriately Rescue Me – one of Jim’s favourite songs.
Alison added: “It’s been a great day. Everybody’s had a lot of fun and it’s been a chance to remember everything that Jim did here.”
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