The Macaque Monkeys of Gibraltar

I'm baaaaaaack!!  Monkeys!!  Let's just ignore the fact that I haven't blogged in a month, shall we?  And look I brought you monkeys!!  Yes, it's a blatant effort to distract you from my lazy blogging.  But lapses happen because, well you know, "life".  Now I'm back and hopefully on a much more consistent basis now that we've completed our move to Surrey.  Next week I'll be telling you about our city break to Gibraltar.  But today we'll ease back into things with... monkeys!!  Macaque monkeys to be exact.

You can't go to Gibraltar without going to the top of the rock to see this wild population of macaque monkeys.  I couldn't wait to get up there with my camera.

These beautiful creatures are the ancestors of monkeys that were likely brought to the area by the Moors of North Africa many hundreds of years ago. 

This is a thriving community of about 230 monkeys in several different family groups.  They are the only wild monkey population on the European continent. 

Semi-wild actually, as they are well taken care of by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and live happily on a protected Nature Reserve. 

Fresh water and plenty of healthy food is provided for them, as well as regular veterinary care.  Their health is closely monitored and our guide told us that the females are put on birth control so as not to stress the population with excessive numbers. 

They are so adorable.  I could sit and watch them all day.  Matt and I both had the cameras clicking like crazy.  But don't get too close. 

They are used to humans but you're not allowed to touch them.  Feeding them is illegal and carries large fines.  They are free roam about and get away from the tourists if it's too much for them.  They don't seem to bothered by any of it for the most part.  Everyone that we saw was being very respectful of their space.  

As you can see there were dozens hanging around the day we went.  We took a private tour with Inside Out Rock Tours and saw them at several of the sites on the rock.  I'll tell you about the rest of the tour next week. 

Access to the monkey's habitat is restricted and private cars aren't allowed to certain areas on the top of the rock where most of the population lives.  The only way is with a licensed tour, on foot or by cable car.  But we did see a several monkeys at some of the lower spots that are accessible by private vehicles.

 

We were advised to not even take wrapped food in our bags as these guys can be very persistent and sneaky when it comes to finding an unauthorized snack.  One of the park guides had lunch in their car and one particular monkey was trying every which way to get in there.

They've learned that cars and backpacks often mean food, so they might try to catch a ride but it's always best to keep your distance.  

They were so much fun to watch.  I love this guy.  "Just chillin' up here on top of the rock.  Have you checked out these views?  That's Africa just over there."

Seeing these monkeys was definitely a highlight of our time in Gibraltar.  It was a great weekend getaway and I'll tell you more next week.  

Thanks to everyone that has connected with me while the blog was quiet.  I'm so sorry I haven't been nearly as responsive as I want to be.  I hope the monkeys did the trick and you'll forgive me.  

Have you visited the Gibraltar Rock Monkeys?

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN