Young Barbary Macaques Play Fighting© VisitGibraltar.gi |
|
Barbary apes - Gibraltar
Perhaps the most famous residents of Gibraltar are the Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. These intelligent primates roam freely on the Upper Rock, especially around the Apes’ Den and the Great Siege Tunnels. Their presence is steeped in legend — it is said that as long as the apes remain, Gibraltar will stay British. Today, the population is carefully managed to ensure their health and the balance of their habitat.
Nobody knows how the famous tailless Macaques came to be on the Rock. They certainly have brothers and sisters across the Strait on Mons Abyla. However, Mr F E Zeuner believes they are true ancient Europeans. In the scientific journal Oryx he said that ten million years ago Macaques roamed across France, Holland and Germany. He believes the onset of the iceage may have driven them south with the last traces of them found nestling on Gibraltar's rock.
 The Barbary Apes of Gibraltar © VisitGibraltar.gi |
|
Legend says that when the apes leave the Rock so too will the British. During World War II, when Sir Winston Churchill heard there were only seven apes left on Gibraltar, he hurriedly had another seven brought in from North Africa.
There currently are six troops of Macaques and they can be viewed at the Apes' Den at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The best way to reach it is either by the Cable Car or on one of the Rock Tours.
The Cable Car is situated at Grand Parade and operates between 0930 and 1945.
