Berberaffen

Description

Berberaffen is an open animal exhibit at Bayern-Park, home to a group of Barbary macaques that has lived in the park since the 2000s. The Barbary macaque, also known as the magot, holds the distinction of being the only primate species native to Europe, with a wild population found on the Rock of Gibraltar and in the oak and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 metres. The animals live in multi-male groups of 12 to 40 individuals. Females weigh approximately 10 to 15 kg, while males are noticeably heavier at 15 to 25 kg. Unlike many other primate species, Barbary macaques have no tail. Their coat ranges from yellowish-brown to greyish-brown, with a distinctly dark pink face. Although they are capable climbers, the animals spend most of their time on the ground. In human care, their life expectancy reaches 25 to 30 years, considerably longer than in the wild. Females give birth to usually one offspring after a gestation period of 165 days. The species is classified as threatened. Because the macaques are diurnal, park visitors can observe them feeding, climbing, and interacting throughout the day. The group is notably playful; their favourite activities include chasing one another and watching guests on their way to the nearby toboggan run. The Barbary macaque is listed as a threatened species, making the Bayern-Park group part of a broader effort to raise awareness of animals under conservation pressure.