A TEENAGER with a passion of animals has helped make a documentary about one of the country’s leading rescue centres.

Alex Pople, from Norton, won a competition to become a reporter for the day at Monkey World in Dorset, a rescue centre which works in conjunction with governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling of apes out of Africa and Asia.

The 14-year-old, who is a pupil at Norton College, spent the day at the centre, working with staff who produce a series of programmes for Channel 5 and Monkey Life.

Alex said after meeting producers of the show she was given a guided tour by Mike Coulbourne from the centre.

“Ever since I became interested in the rescuing and rehabiliting Monkey World does, I have been inspired by his dedication to primates in his care – he’s like my hero,” she said.

“I loved learning more about the park and I also couldn’t believe it when Mikado the gibbon responded to his name.”

Alex said that afterwards she began to write her script with Jo, the director, who gave her a few reporting tips.

“But then the nerves kicked in. However, I wish I hadn’t worried, because the film crew Ralph and Ellie were so nice, she said.

“Then after a few takes I got my lines correct and went through an interview with Mike in Malagasy, the lemur enclosure. The lemurs being their inquisitive selves came to meet us and we luckily got them in shot.

“This experience made me realise how lucky the animals are to be living natural lives and be allowed the freedom they deserve and they all looked so happy.”

Alex said before she left she also got the opportunity to meet Jeremy Keeling, co-founder of Monkey World.

“I couldn’t believe it – Jeremy had inspired me with his unique bonding with the apes and monkeys and his sheer love for them. I got him to sign my copy of his autobiography when I went back to the hotel I kept reading it over and over, I couldn’t believe I had actually lucky enough to meet him,” she said.

“Thanks to the staff and production team for having me along to join them for filming at Monkey World. It was a very magical experience and I can’t wait to see the result. I hope they can carry on the wonderful work they do long into the future.”