Barbary Apes, Gibraltar

When the Arabs invaded the Iberian Peninsula, they brought the Barbary Macaque with them. This playful monkey is found in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. A colony of them survived hundreds of years. The British believe that as long as the monkeys remain in Gibraltar, so will they. So when the monkey population was thinning out during World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered immediate intervention.

Today, there are about 300 of the Barbary Macaques on the Rock of Gibraltar. As soon as you get off the cable car lift at the top, you will see them. Do not touch them, feed them or use a bright flash when you are close to them. No matter how friendly they seem, they are still wild animals. They are so used to humans, however, that you can be inches from them and they will be unbothered.

Around 160 Apes still reside on the rock. The Apes are a species of tailless monkeys called Barbary Macaques. These Macaques can be found in Morocco and Algeria, with those in Gibraltar being the only free-living monkeys in Europe today

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The one thing not to miss in Gibraltar is the tour of the rock. “THE HISTORICAL ROCK TOUR“. The small mini coaches take you up the rock stopping at strategic points for a look around and the chance to take photos. One thing to be aware of is the Barbary apes, if you have a bag with you they assume there is food inside and will grab it from you.

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The Barbary Apes are wild. They are very accustomed to humans but they are wild. Be Careful! Visitors are warned not to take plastic bags as the Apes associate them with food and will grab any plastic bag. The apes are also very strong, so if they grab your bag, you will not get it back until they are finished examining the contents and get bored. The will also pee and poop at will, so be careful where you trod.

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We stopped half way up the Rock to admire the view of the town and ocean below. Immediately we were greeted by the Barbary Apes as they enjoyed climbing onto our bus and occasionally jumping onto the back of tourists.

These tailess monkeys called Barbary Macques being the only free-living monkeys in Europe.

Walking down from the Cafe at the top of the rock towards St Michaels Cave was our first encounter with the Barbary Macaques (apes). They were all sizes, but I was very surprised at how large some of them were. They are the only remaining wild primates in Europe.

I had read before hand, that you, understandably not allowed to feed them, but as we were walking past, one of the large ones charged at Freyas pushchair ripping and grabbing at a plastic bag in the back.
It was actually very frightening (especially as freya was in her pushchair!).

Have to admit I avoided them like the plague after that, which isnt an wasn't an easy feat as they seemed to be everywhere.

A comical extract from our travel diary , written by Derek.....................................................

" Because of the steps in to St Michaels Cave, we had decided to go in individually (because of Freyas Pushchair).
Nic had sat on a picnic bench just outside the entrance to the shop after ensuring the area was free of apes. She took the opportunity to rearrange the bags and pushchair. She then looked up to see a scene reminiscent of Alfred Hitcocks "The Birds". She was surrounded by apes!

Nic ran in to the shop, then ran out again to get Freya (Only Kidding!)..They both ran in to the shop, which is where I found them. Nik with wide eyes saying " they are following me" with a slight hint of Hysteria in her voice .Whilst Freya was pointing excitedly with a beaming smile shouting "Keys, Keys"............The End (~_~)

There were some people up there stupid enough to give them some of their food, and then when the people had had enough & walked away the apes were jumping on the peoples heads & shoulders quite aggressively to get more food.................amusing (~_~)

SO DONT FEED THEM

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Gibraltar is famous for its apes as the only point in Europe with wild – living examples. Well, that’s not entirely true. The animals are not completely wild, food and ocassional veterinary help is provided. And the Barbary Macaque is a monkey, not an ape. The apes live quite everywhere on the rock and one legend says that they came from Africa via a tunnel ending in one of the rock’s caves. The best choice is to see them at the Ape’s Den, which is located halway up the rock. A cable car station close to it is served upon demand. Large number of apes are also found close to the top cable car station. The little creatures seem to know where the tourists they can rob are. Of course, chances are that you meet them anywhere in the upper heights of the rock.
When you move close to the apes, do not show any food open. This advice goes especially for people driving with open car windows. The apes will mess up your car and do not leave until they have found the last bit of food. But as long as you respect them and show no reason for being a food-provider, they will leave you in peace and maybe even pose for a picture.

These monkeys can be seen in Upper Rock Reserve. They're very friendly, come quite close to cars and tourists. You can easily lose your glasses or wallet to them so watch out!

Don't feed the apes or they'll get used to it and won't look for food by themselves.