The famous Barbary Apes, the only ones of their kind in Europe.
Often known as ‘Gibraltar’s monkeys’, these fascinating, and often strangely human, creatures are in fact Barbary Apes. It is believed that they were introduced to Gibraltar from Morocco in the early 18th century and they are the only non-human primates to be found in Europe.
The legend goes that if the Apes should ever leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British – even Winston Churchill took a personal interest in their welfare during World War II!
Nowadays they frolic in the Ape Playground at the Cable Car Top Station, and they can also be seen at the middle station Ape Den, on your way down. Watch them monkeying around and look out for mothers nursing baby apes, or a male strutting his stuff. |
