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Barbary Macaque Feeding Station: Gibraltar's Furry Residents

Meet Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques at this unique feeding station in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. A must-see for wildlife enthusiasts!

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Observe Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe, at a designated feeding station within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Witness their playful interactions and learn about their unique behavior in a safe and controlled environment.

A brief summary to Barbary macaque feeding station

  • Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

Local tips

  • Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and have a better chance of interacting with the monkeys.
  • Do not touch or feed the monkeys outside of the supervised feeding sessions, as it is illegal and can be harmful to the animals.
  • Be aware of your belongings, as the macaques are curious and may try to grab loose items.
  • Pay attention to the monkeys' body language and warning signals, such as a 'pouted mouth,' and give them space if they seem threatened.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve for a full day of exploring Gibraltar's natural and historical sights.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Gibraltar Cable Car Top Station, exit the station and follow the signs for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The Barbary Macaque Feeding Station is a short walk from the Top Station, along well-maintained paths. The walk offers scenic views and takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take a bus to the Gibraltar Cable Car base station. The Gibraltar Bus Company operates several routes that stop near the cable car. From the Cable Car Top Station, follow the walking directions to the feeding station. Bus fare is approximately £2.20 for a single journey.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar and can take you directly to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve entrance or the Cable Car base station. From there, you can either walk or take the cable car to the Top Station and walk to the feeding station. A taxi tour to the Upper Rock, including entry fees, costs around £8 per person with a minimum of 4 people. A taxi to the Cable Car base station from Main Street will cost approximately £5-£7.

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Discover more about Barbary macaque feeding station

The Barbary Macaque Feeding Station offers a unique opportunity to observe Gibraltar's most famous residents: the Barbary macaques. These fascinating creatures are the only wild monkey population in Europe and are a major tourist attraction. The feeding station provides a safe and controlled environment where visitors can witness the macaques' natural behavior and learn about their history and conservation. Originally from the Atlas Mountains and Rif Mountains of Morocco, the Barbary macaques have resided on the Rock of Gibraltar for centuries. It's believed they were introduced during the Islamic period or possibly are remnants of a former European population. Legend has it that as long as the macaques remain on Gibraltar, the territory will stay under British rule. During World War II, when the macaque population dwindled, Winston Churchill ordered their numbers to be replenished to uphold this belief. Today, around 300 macaques live in the Upper Rock area. While they roam freely, the feeding station is a prime location to see them up close. Visitors can watch the macaques interact, play, and, under supervision, sometimes even participate in feeding. It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and it is illegal to touch or interfere with their natural behavior. The feeding station offers a chance to appreciate these unique primates while contributing to their well-being and conservation.

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