Today Monkey World is celebrating a very special anniversary.

The world famous ape rescue centre first opened 30 years ago today.

What started out as a place to provide abused Spanish chimps with a permanent, is now home to more than 250 primates and 20 different species.

Join Alison and the team on Monday for the 30th anniversary of Monkey World! pic.twitter.com/bDK9Dvx01p

— Monkey World Dorset (@MWApeRescue) August 2, 2017

Over the years, the sanctuary has taken in residents from across the globe and also attracted a number of famous visitors, as well as becoming the focus of a number of TV shows.

Daily Echo photographer Corin Messer was welcomed into the park many times by Jim and Alison over the years.

He said: "It is one of the highlights of my career as a photographer, seeing Jim and Alison's passion for the park and the primates they protect has been inspirational."

To mark the occasion, we look back at some of the residents and special guests who have visited the centre through the years.