The Barbary Macaque is the only wild monkey population in the European continent. If you find monkeys very funny and friendly, and you wish you could have close contact with this animal species, Gibraltar  it's a place you should visit!

Gibraltar, is a British Overseas Territory, in the South of the Iberian Peninsula, known for giving its population and tourists a strong relation with Nature – from the Natural Reserve and the Barbary Macaques. The latter live freely in Gibraltar: always available to approaching people, climbing onto them and also taking memorable pictures.

We have prepared a list of 5 quick curiosities about the Barbary Macaques for you to know more about Gibraltar’s top attraction:

1. Up to 20-25 years

The common Barbary Macaque has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years, and female monkeys tend to live longer than males. Their diet is based on fruits, vegetables, plants, and insects.

2. Friendly but not tamed

Even though these monkeys are used to human interaction, one must never forget that they are still a wild species! That is the reason why it is not allowed to feed them and you should always be aware of their warning signals.

3. No tails

Even though Barbary Macaques are referred to as apes, they are a tailless species. In fact, their tails are vestigial, measuring between 4 to 22 millimeters, and males are commonly bigger than females.   

4. Endangered Species

Sadly, the Barbary Macaques were categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Phenomena such as habitat loss, drought, illegal pet trade, and overgrazing by sheep and goats have generated a decrease in the species. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to preserve these beloved monkeys.

Gibraltar is home to this amazing wild species of monkeys in the European continent.

If you have the curiosity to visit Gibraltar and get to meet these lovely Barbary Macaques, why don’t you book book a tour from seville, or an excursion from Málaga? The world keeps spinning…