The Apes Den
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NileGuide Expert tip:
Don't go looking for an actual den—you'll find the monkeys running around in the open air on the western side of the Rock, which overlooks the Bay of Gibraltar.Description:
Most people planning a trip to Gibraltar have heard of the famous and infamous Barbary Macaques that run wild on the Upper Rock. It's unknown exactly how they came to Gibraltar, but many believe that they were probably introduced during the Moorish occupation of Southern Spain. A moderately domesticated troop occupies a section of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve known as the Apes Den, which can be reached by car or cable car. While paying a visit to the only free-roaming monkeys in Europe, one should remember these practical tips: keep an eye on the kids, don't let your dog out of the car, hold on to your camera, don't bring snacks, and roll up your windows. The Barbary Macaques aren't shy, but if you're not respectful of their environment, they could start some monkey business. Legend has it that as long as the monkeys are in Gibraltar, it will remain a British territory, and this was reason enough for British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill to place orders that monkeys be brought in from North Africa in 1942. So far, so good. Feature Image: axmiller/Flickr