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Ape Management

The Barbary Macaque (Macaca Sylvanus), known locally as the Rock Ape, is the only free ranging wild primate in Europe. Its European range is restricted to the Rock of Gibraltar, where they have possibly been present since the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula from 711 AD.

GONHS and Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic are responsible under agreements with the Government of Gibraltar for the management of the Macaques i.e. looking after their well-being and general condition as well as monitoring population levels.

It is illegal to feed the macaques and the penalty for such offence is £500.00. It is therefore strongly emphasised that the public do not feed the apes.The food offered by individuals as a treat for the apes disrupts their diet and can cause diseases such as diabetes.