Last updated: April 2026
The Barbary macaques of Gibraltar are one of the most famous wildlife populations in all of Europe. They are the only wild non-human primates on the continent, and for many visitors, seeing them in their natural habitat on the Upper Rock is a highlight of any trip to Gibraltar. Here is everything you need to know: who they are, where to find them, how to behave around them, and what the legends say about their future on the Rock.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Around 300 Barbary macaques live on the Upper Rock in several distinct troops
- They are the only wild primates in Europe outside of humans
- Originally from North Africa (Morocco and Algeria), though their precise arrival in Gibraltar is debated
- Protected under Gibraltar law: feeding them is prohibited and can result in a fine
- The famous legend: if the macaques ever leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British
- Best viewing locations: Queen's Gate, Middle Hill, and near the Great Siege Tunnels
What Are Barbary Macaques?
Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) are a species of Old World monkey native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, primarily Morocco and Algeria. They are the only non-human primates found wild in Europe, which makes Gibraltar's population genuinely remarkable from a biogeographical perspective.
They are medium-sized primates, typically weighing 5-15 kilograms. Unlike many monkey species, Barbary macaques are tailless, which often leads people to call them "Barbary apes" despite being macaques and not apes. They are highly social animals that live in multi-male, multi-female groups with complex social hierarchies. Males are notably involved in infant care, which is relatively unusual among primates.
How Did They Get to Gibraltar?
The exact origin of Gibraltar's macaques is a matter of genuine debate among historians and zoologists. The main theories are:
- Moorish introduction: The most widely cited explanation is that the Moors brought macaques to Gibraltar during their 700-year occupation of the territory. The connection between North Africa and Gibraltar was close, and the Moors had a tradition of keeping the animals.
- Natural crossing: Some researchers believe macaques may have naturally crossed the Strait of Gibraltar at some point in the distant past when conditions allowed. The Strait is only about 14km wide at its narrowest point.
- British importation: There is documented evidence of British soldiers and officials bringing macaques from North Africa to replenish the population at various points in history, most famously during World War II.
The truth is probably a combination: an original population arrived or was brought at some early stage, and the British periodically supplemented it when numbers fell dangerously low.
The Legend of the Macaques
Gibraltar's most famous macaque legend holds that if the apes ever leave the Rock, Gibraltar will cease to be British. The origin of this belief is unclear, but it was taken seriously enough during World War II that Winston Churchill personally ordered reinforcements be brought from North Africa when the macaque population dropped to just seven animals.
Today the population is well-managed to ensure it never falls below a comfortable level. The legend lives on as part of Gibraltar's cultural identity, even if modern Gibraltarians are relaxed enough about it to keep the macaques' numbers stable and healthy rather than superstitious about precise counts.
During World War II, when Gibraltar was a strategically critical base, Churchill sent a telegram to the Governor of Gibraltar specifically ordering that the macaque population be maintained. He saw the legend as important for civilian and military morale during a period of intense uncertainty. The animals that arrived from Morocco are the ancestors of many in the current population.
How Many Macaques Are There Today?
The Gibraltar macaque population is carefully managed by the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society (GONHS) working with the Gibraltar Government. The current population stands at approximately 300 animals distributed across several troops in different areas of the Upper Rock.
Each troop occupies a distinct territory within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and has its own hierarchy and social dynamics. The troops are monitored regularly, and any significant changes in health or numbers are acted upon. Macaques that become too aggressive or habituated to human food are sometimes relocated within the reserve or given interventions to discourage dependency on tourists.
Where to See the Macaques
The macaques live throughout the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The best spots to encounter them include:
- Queen's Gate area: One of the most reliable spots for macaque sightings, near the entrance to the Upper Rock
- Middle Hill: The central plateau area of the Upper Rock where several troops range
- Great Siege Tunnels and surrounding area: The rocky terrain around the tunnels is prime macaque habitat
- Princess Caroline's Battery: A popular viewpoint also frequented by macaques
- Cable car top station area: Macaques often congregate near the top cable car terminal where tourists tend to gather
You do not need to seek them out aggressively. Walk slowly through the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and you will almost certainly encounter them. In the tourist season (spring through autumn), macaque sightings near the cable car and main viewpoints are practically guaranteed.
Rules for Interacting with the Macaques
The rules exist for the macaques' wellbeing as much as for visitor safety. The key rules:
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| Do NOT feed the macaques | Human food causes health problems and makes them aggressive and food-dependent |
| Do NOT touch the macaques | Zoonotic disease risk in both directions; can provoke defensive bites |
| Do NOT approach babies or interfere with social interactions | Adults will defend infants; interfering can trigger aggression from the troop |
| Keep bags and food out of sight and reach | Macaques are clever and opportunistic; an open bag will be investigated |
| Move slowly and quietly | Sudden movements can startle and alarm individuals or entire troops |
Feeding macaques is illegal in Gibraltar and carries a fine. This is enforced. The ban exists because decades of tourist feeding led to behavioural problems, obesity, aggression, and dependency that harmed the animals significantly. The current population is healthier than at several points in recent history precisely because the feeding ban is taken seriously.
Stay calm. Do not make sudden movements. Do not make eye contact if an individual seems agitated (direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge). If one jumps onto you, remain still and it will typically move on quickly. Do not scream or wave your arms. Most macaque encounters are benign curiosity on their part. They have seen millions of tourists and are generally habituated to human presence.
Conservation Status
The Barbary macaque is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The overall species has declined significantly in North Africa due to habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and hunting. The Gibraltar population, ironically, is one of the better-managed and more stable macaque populations in existence, precisely because of the active conservation effort and protection they receive.
Gibraltar contributes to international Barbary macaque conservation discussions and the animals here serve as both a conservation success story and an educational opportunity about the pressures facing the species in their native range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the macaques dangerous?
Macaques are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Unprovoked aggression is rare, but macaques will bite if they feel threatened, if they are competing for food, or if you are near a mother with a young infant. Follow the rules, do not feed them, do not touch them, and the vast majority of encounters will be peaceful and enjoyable.
Can I see the macaques without paying to enter the Upper Rock Nature Reserve?
The Upper Rock Nature Reserve requires an entrance fee. However, macaques are sometimes seen near the perimeter areas of the reserve accessible from the cable car top station, which has its own ticketing. In practice, you almost certainly need to pay some form of entry fee to reliably see the macaques in good numbers.
What time of day is best for macaque sightings?
Morning tends to be best, before the heat of the day and before the tourist crowds peak. Macaques are most active in cooler parts of the day. Early morning (9am-11am) in summer gives good light and more active animals. At midday in July and August they tend to rest in shaded spots.
Do the macaques bite?
They can and do bite occasionally, typically when people ignore the rules: trying to touch them, getting between a mother and infant, or having food visible. Most bites happen because tourists ignore basic guidance. Follow the rules and macaque encounters are very rarely problematic.
Are there macaques in Spain near Gibraltar?
No. The Gibraltar macaques are specifically confined to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and do not cross into Spain. There have been occasional reports of individual animals moving toward the border area but the population is effectively resident on the Rock. Barbary macaques do not naturally occur anywhere else in Europe.