Gibraltar monkeys eat soil in junk food detox, study finds

A colony of macaques that gorge on snacks offered by tourists in the British territory of Gibraltar swallow soil to recover from their junk food binges, a study has found. Signs dotted around Gibraltar remind visitors of a ban on feeding the macaques, with infringements punishable by fines of up to $5,350. 

According to officials, there are guidelines on visiting the macaques; to not feed them and to keep the distance. These unhealthy treats have contributed to modifying a diet usually made up of fruit, vegetables and seeds. But the feeding still is prevalent and this exacerbates that issue in terms of macaques stealing food.