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Barbary Macaque Feeding Station: Gibraltar's Playful Primates

Get up close with Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques at this unique feeding station in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

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Observe Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population, at a designated feeding station within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Get up close with these fascinating creatures in a safe and controlled environment, learning about their behavior and the importance of conservation efforts.

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.
  • Observe the monkeys from a safe distance and avoid making sudden movements to respect their space and behavior.
  • Be aware that it is illegal to feed the macaques and the penalty for such offense is £500.00.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the entrance to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, follow the signs uphill towards the Barbary Macaque Feeding Station. The walk is approximately 15 minutes and involves some steep paths, so wear comfortable shoes.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus number 3 or 4 towards the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Get off at the stop closest to the entrance of the nature reserve. From there, it is a short 15-minute walk uphill to the feeding station. A single bus fare costs around £2.20.

  • Taxi

    From Main Street, a taxi to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve entrance will cost approximately £5-£7. From there, follow the signs and walk uphill to the feeding station.

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Discover more about Barbary macaque feeding station

The Barbary Macaque Feeding Station offers a unique opportunity to witness these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The Barbary macaques, also known as Rock Apes, are a major tourist attraction and are the only wild monkey population in Europe. Located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, the feeding station provides a safe and controlled environment for visitors to observe the macaques' social interactions and playful antics. Knowledgeable staff are often on hand to share insights into the macaques' behavior, diet, and their role in Gibraltar's ecosystem. The feeding sessions also serve to educate visitors about the importance of conservation efforts. The Barbary macaques have a long history on the Rock of Gibraltar, possibly since the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD. Legend has it that as long as the macaques remain on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule. During World War II, when the macaque population dwindled, Winston Churchill ordered their numbers to be replenished from North Africa, highlighting their importance to Gibraltar. Today, the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic manage the macaque population, ensuring their well-being and monitoring their numbers. While visitors were once allowed to feed the macaques, it is now illegal and punishable by a fine to do so. This is to protect the health of the macaques and prevent them from becoming overly reliant on humans for food.

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