Japan - Snow Monkeys
Jigokudani Monkey Park was created in the early 1960's after a curious female macaque dipped her hand in the hot spring water and realized it was quite comfortable bathing in a hot tub during the snowy winter months. A man-made onsen was created for her macaque troop and the "snow monkeys" of Yudanaka were born.
The Japanese Macaque is a monkey species native to northern Japan, and is the most northern-living non-human primate, surviving winter temperatures of below -15 °C. They have brown-gray fur, a red face, hands and bottom, and a short tail - and often seem remarkably human like.
It is about a thirty minute hike (uphill) to visit the snow monkeys but well worth the walk through the beautiful forest.
The Japanese Macaque is a monkey species native to northern Japan, and is the most northern-living non-human primate, surviving winter temperatures of below -15 °C. They have brown-gray fur, a red face, hands and bottom, and a short tail - and often seem remarkably human like.
The monkey park is located in Jigokudani, which translated means Hells Valley, due to the steep cliffs and hot water steaming out from the earth's surface. It's a fairly harsh environment in winter with snow on the ground for a third of the year, but it is also a paradise for the snow monkeys who live there and are unique that they are the only known monkeys that bathe in hot springs.
I was a little worried that visiting the monkey park in the spring would mean we would see little to no monkeys in or around the hot springs but that was not the case. Also May is a beautiful time to visit as all the new babies have just been born and are incredibly adorable.
Like most monkeys, the Japanese macaques live in a matriarchal society, with just a smattering of males per troop. Every individual has their place and a strict hierarchy is adhered to at all times.
Labels:
Japan
0 Response to "Japan - Snow Monkeys"