Why was the care of non-human European primates included in the British military budget? This included full hospital care if needed.

dippo

This relates to the Barbary Apes on Gibraltar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar_Barbary_Macaques The Gibraltar macaque population was under the care of the British Army and later the Gibraltar Regiment from 1915 to 1991, who carefully controlled a population that initially consisted of a single troop. An officer was appointed to supervise their welfare, and a food allowance of fruit, vegetables and nuts was included in the budget. Births were gazetted in true military fashion, and each new arrival was named. They were named after governors, brigaders and high ranking officers. Any ill or injured monkey was taken to Royal Naval Hospital and received the same treatment as would an enlisted service man. Following the withdrawal of the British garrison, the Government of Gibraltar took over responsibility for the monkeys. [Text added from provided link -- Zb] Sep 10 08, 4:25 PM

unclerick

Well done dippo & Zb. According to popular belief the British will loose Gibraltar if the Barbary Apes disappear. During the second world war the ape population was reduced to about seven. Winston Churchill ordered the population to be replenished. A case of whiskey was paid for each monkey brought from North Africa. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar_Barbary_Macaques Sep 10 08, 8:54 PM