DON’T TOSS OFF THE MONKEYS! Gibraltar apes get extra protection over COVID fears

WANK FINE: Famous apes must not be touched up

GIBRALTAR is taking steps to protect its precious population of Barbary macaques from the deadly coronavirus – by making it illegal for people to WANK them off.

The monkeys – closely associated with the Rock – are Europe’s only population of wild primates.

Now new rules mean that anyone convicted of tossing them off could be liable for a hefty fine of 4,400 euros (£ 3,900).

An HM Government of Gibraltar spokesman explained: “Interference with Barbary macaques has always been seen as detrimental to them, and the official line has for years been to discourage visitors from touching or otherwise interfering with macaque natural behaviour.

“Not only does it prejudice their health and social structure but the macaques are prone to succumb to human disease. This has been seen in the past when our macaques have, for example, contracted Hepatitis A.

“There is also the possibility of human beings contracting infection through contact with a macaque.”

Wanking off a Gibraltar monkey – or Barbary macaque – became a traditional initiation ceremony for sailors dating back to the 18th century after Britain won the Rock under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.

Although officially frowned on, this is the first time it has actually been outlawed.

Now, the emergence of COVID- 19 has prompted the Government to take strict measures to prevent all contact – primarily for the benefit of the monkeys, as opposed to humans.

Simians can catch many of the same diseases which people are affected by.

Gorillas, chimpanzees and orang utans were all placed on lockdown along with everyone else to reduce the chance of them catching the illness.

The spokesman added: “This is in order to minimise the risk of their contracting the disease and becoming ill or dying.”