The Barbary Apes of Gibraltar – photos

Posted on by Opher

The Barbary apes aren’t apes at all – they are tailless monkeys, Barbary macaques, who originated in the Atlas mountains of Morocco and were probably brought to Gibraltar by the Muslims when they invaded Europe.

I do adore monkeys. I always wanted a pet one but it isn’t very ethical.

These particular monkeys are doing very well. They first prospered because of the myth that the rock would always be British while the apes were there – so the British fed and nurtured them. Now they are a major tourist attraction and get fed and pampered.

Technically they are wild – though because they get fed and looked after, they have no fear of people and are dependent on humans.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves posing for photos.

These Barbary Macaques are the only wild monkeys left in Europe (apart from my grandchildren).

The Barbary macaques of Gibraltar

Posted on by Opher

Well we are all familiar with the old story about the British and the monkeys. The Barbary macaques are the only free roaming monkeys in Europe. The myth is that f they chose to leave the rock Gibraltar would go back to the Spanish.

It seems that some people take it seriously. The monkeys are lavishly fed. When their numbers decreased a shipment of them were brought in to replenish the colony. I’m not sure if people really believe the old superstition or it’s just to humour the tourists. It’s nice to see them though.

They are very mischievous and quite lively. They know how to scare people and seem to have a lot of fun doing it but they are incredibly fun to watch. They are such characters and all different to each other.