A TAIL OF INTRIGUE They’re often referred to as 'apes', as they don’t appear to have tails. There is even a location called Apes’ Den where one particular pack lives (multiple packs reside on the Rock). However, they’re not actually apes at all. The Gibraltar monkeys are Barbary macaques from northern Africa (Morocco and Algeria, to be more specific). Macaques are one of a few types of monkeys with short tails. They have been around since the 1700s, but no one really knows how they arrived. One local tale suggests they swam the strait, but that is rather unlikely given the distance and strong currents. Another suggests they arrived as pets of Moors travelling through the area. However they arrived, they’ve shown they have staying power, growing to a population of over 300. And legend has it that as long they remain, the Rock of Gibraltar will stay under British rule. CONSERVING A WILD LIFE In addition to observing them on a tour of the Rock, the Almeda Wildlife Conservation Park, located in the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, oers another perspective on these sneaky characters. Observe them in a more relaxed state of mind, revealing a dierent side of these funny residents of the Rock. And don’t forget to take in the rest of park and gardens.
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ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
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