www.telegraph.co.uk In the first large-scale export of the monkeys from Gibraltar since the 1990s, thirty offending monkeys will be deported to Scotland after continually causing trouble.
You might wonder why the UK is involved in the behavior of animals on the eastern tip of Spain. According to folklore, The Rock would cease to be British if the primates leave.
During World War II, the population dwindled to just seven monkeys. Sir Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers be replenished immediately from both Morocco and Algeria due to this traditional belief.
Another popular story tells of a link from Gibraltar to Africa by a subterranean passage over 15 miles (24 km). Legend has it that the Barbary Macaques entered The Rock from Morocco this way.
You might wonder why the UK is involved in the behavior of animals on the eastern tip of Spain. According to folklore, The Rock would cease to be British if the primates leave.
During World War II, the population dwindled to just seven monkeys. Sir Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers be replenished immediately from both Morocco and Algeria due to this traditional belief.
Another popular story tells of a link from Gibraltar to Africa by a subterranean passage over 15 miles (24 km). Legend has it that the Barbary Macaques entered The Rock from Morocco this way.
www.telegraph.co.uk The Barbary Apes of Gibraltar, Macaca Sylvanus, are actually tail-less monkeys. No one is really sure how the only wild apes in Europe arrived in Gibraltar. Whatever the explanation they readily adapted to their new habitat and have lived, bred and been an integral part of Gibraltar for centuries.
The Gibraltar monkey population, initially a single troop, was under the care of the British Army and later the Gibraltar Regiment from 1915 to 1991. An officer was appointed to supervise their welfare, and a food allowance of fruit, vegetables and nuts was included in the budget. In true military fashion soldiers gazetted births, and named each new arrival. Following the withdrawal of the British garrison, the Government of Gibraltar took over responsibility for the monkeys.
The Gibraltar monkey population, initially a single troop, was under the care of the British Army and later the Gibraltar Regiment from 1915 to 1991. An officer was appointed to supervise their welfare, and a food allowance of fruit, vegetables and nuts was included in the budget. In true military fashion soldiers gazetted births, and named each new arrival. Following the withdrawal of the British garrison, the Government of Gibraltar took over responsibility for the monkeys.
www.dailymail,co.uk Now, Barbary macaques roam in the British overseas territory, harassing locals and rummaging through bins. Many tourists can't resist illegally feeding the wild animals and numbers have soared to about 200, most of whom have no fear of humans.
Unfortunately, animals take no notice of warnings so officials tagged the worst offenders with GPS collars. After observing the apes activity, officials caught the marauders to quarantine them in Gibraltar’s nature reserve. The 30 apes, 11 males and 19 females, along with two handlers will fly by chartered cargo plane from the Mediterranean outpost to the UK on Tuesday.
At their new home, a large enclosure including trees and a large rocky mound for climbing has been prepared for them. Imagine their shock at being confined after roaming as they please.
I guess, after being encouraged to expand their numbers on foreign soil, the macaques took advantage of every situation. Now, the nation who made this possible must control their wayward dependents.
Are there any imported animals causing trouble near you?
Unfortunately, animals take no notice of warnings so officials tagged the worst offenders with GPS collars. After observing the apes activity, officials caught the marauders to quarantine them in Gibraltar’s nature reserve. The 30 apes, 11 males and 19 females, along with two handlers will fly by chartered cargo plane from the Mediterranean outpost to the UK on Tuesday.
At their new home, a large enclosure including trees and a large rocky mound for climbing has been prepared for them. Imagine their shock at being confined after roaming as they please.
I guess, after being encouraged to expand their numbers on foreign soil, the macaques took advantage of every situation. Now, the nation who made this possible must control their wayward dependents.
Are there any imported animals causing trouble near you?
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