Although the Barbary macaques are wild, they have been carefully managed and protected for over 100 years. They are fed daily. Veterinarians regularly examine them for health issues. Each one is photographed and tracked by a microchip for the duration of their 15 to 17 year lifespan. In the mid-1940s, new birth announcements appeared in the local newspaper. Why all of this attention? Several reasons. They are the last species of wild monkeys in Europe. They are great for tourism. And, according to legend, Britain will remain in control of Gibraltar until the last monkey dies.
