The monkeys
Europe's only wild monkeys — and the rules for meeting them.
The barbary macaques of Gibraltar are Europe's only free-roaming monkey population. Legend says that while they remain, the Rock stays British.
They look cute but are wild animals. Do not touch them. Do not feed them. Do not carry plastic bags in your hands — they associate bags with food.
If a macaque jumps on you, stay calm. Do not pull, do not shout. Lower yourself slowly and let it move on.
Keep a metre of distance when photographing. Your visit, calm and quiet, is the best gift you can give them.
Where to listen
- Listen before you reach the macaques, not while they are around you: you want your hands and attention free.
- The top cable car station and the Apes' Den are the two places where encounters are most likely.
What to look for
- Family groups: mothers with infants are the ones to give the most space.
- Signs marking the feeding areas managed by the reserve wardens.
- Your own bags, phone and sunglasses — those are what a macaque will reach for first.