Travelling and exploring with your family can be fun, until you run into trouble.
That’s what happened to one dad as he desperately tried to defend his son from a savage monkey attack while on a hike in Gibraltar. While the father tried to remain calm, it was truly horrifying for his child to experience.
The monkeys, which inhabit the Rock of Gibraltar, a popular limestone mountain, have earned a reputation for being aggressive towards visitors. Being a colony of wild animals, they are involved in uncomfortable scenes.
And this was the case for a father who tried to protect his terrified son from the attack where he was surrounded. His only protection was a bottle of water.
A clip of the terrifying moment was shared on YouTube by local news page Diario AS, which boasts 1.69 million subscribers. It shows the dad coming to the rescue of his son as multiple monkeys corner them.
Now experts revealed how to be alert if they stumble on any animal violent behaviour while abroad. Many recommend to interact as little as possible with them and not to give any food.
The official Gibraltar said: “It is advisable to stay in the most open spaces and avoid narrow or confined areas.
“Try not to crouch or stay close to railings or walls where they usually play. They will try to steal your handbags or backpacks.”
Gibraltar monkeys belong to the Barbary macaque species and live scattered throughout the reserve at the top of the Rock.
Adults can weigh up to 10 kilograms and measure more than half a meter. They have a life expectancy of 20 years and eat anything that comes their way.
Since the video was then posted on TikTok, it scooped more than 17 million views from many commentators who were terrified by the family’s experience.
One said: “If Gibraltar were Spanish that monkey would have given him a flower and invited him to a tortilla.”
Another added: “They are very dangerous. You have to be very careful. Don’t eat anything because they get very aggressive.” While a third posted: “Haven’t we learned anything from the Planet of the Apes movies?”