My Trip to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มี.ค. 2017
- My 1st impression of the snow monkeys was 20 years ago when I saw a satellite TV station's promo featuring baby monkeys in hot springs during winter and thinking they were so cute! They didn't cross my mind again until I stumbled upon the PBS Nature documentary on Snow Monkeys last year that sparked my deep curiosity in them. I began researching more information and watching other documentaries that featured the lives of these Japanese macaques.
On the surface, this wild troop at the onsen seems to "have it all". Yes, they are relatively a bit more lucky than the other troops throughout Japan; enjoying celebrity status and being the most photographed monkeys in the world. However, their lives are still very tough living at the parts of Japan with much more harsh winter conditions. While the 2013 PBS documentary romanticized their lives, the 2009 BBC Natural World documentary really presented how bad it can get for them and those troops that are not part of this onsen troop. It really broke my heart watching that documentary and upon reflection...human lives are not that different.
I was very lucky the day I went to the monkey park because ironically it was cloudy, raining and cold. Well, the monkeys tend to all go and stay longer in the hot pool when it's cold and when there's no sun for them to sunbathe! Thus, I had gotten really good video and photo opportunities. Besides, I got to meet Kuro-san (the alpha male) and Tokkuri 00 (the Queen) up close! I was so overwhelmed like a fan boy! Tokkuri 00 was disciplining her adopted son Moses who was throwing a major tantrum just 1 meter away from me! She raised 2 babies (her daughter and Moses) at the same time which is extremely rare under such harsh conditions. She is Queen for a reason! I have been following her life being documented by Kiyo posting her work on her TH-cam channel:
/ @tokkuri00
I also met Tokkuri 92, the older sister of the queen. She may now be the oldest granny of the troop and yet she still has a nearly 1 year old baby! So tough.....imagine like you are 70 years old and still have to give birth and care for a 1 year old baby. Apparently, there is no such thing as menopause in the macaques species. Sigh....
Just like watching the documentaries, I witnessed feeding, squabbling, fighting, playing, grooming, sleeping, huddling and keeping warm etc. What tugs at my heart the most is seeing live and up close how the mothers hold their children so closely and tightly to keep them warm and safe. I'm sure my mother did the same when I was a little child.........
Thank you Snow Monkeys! I hope I can go visit you again and during a different season, maybe in Spring someday when all the babies are born.
Music by Kotaro Oshio : / kotarooshioofficial
Video taken using Sony Action Cam FDR-X3000
![Jigokudani's Precious Children [Snow Monkeys]](/img/n.gif)
Snow monkey park so look beautiful park with cute monkey
wow this place is marvelous the view is fantastic
I LOVE this video sooo much. The cute Japanese macaques + your commentary... just perfect ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
so sweet and peaceful!
Hi, I don’t know how I’ve managed to miss your beautiful work. Thank you kindly for sharing.
Thank you 🙏😁
Как же у них шерсть сохнет?
The relationship between Kuro-san and the keepers/staff is very interesting.
Hahaha. I do think they have a special relationship. They are both protectors of the troop and Kuro-san sees that they are his allies. Whoever (visitors) try to touch or do anything funny with his family gets to suffer the wrath of the long loud whistle and string of gestures signalling "you are not allowed to do that"! Kuro-san also sees them as his faithful provider. I witnessed Kuro-san going to the yellow food station (outside of feeding time) while a staff was nearby and the staff opened the food station just to find him a treat. Kuro-san even ate it out of his hand!! I was like wow....he never seems to let humans get too close to him and yet he is eating out of this staff's hands! This shows he trust them. Thanks for watching!
They show respect for each other almost like friends
Very good video with your comment. I like your comment. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! :)
Thanks for the video, it looks to me that Moses has turned into a spoiled brat! Wonder how he will do now that mom has ANOTHER baby? Thanks again, I very much enjoyed it.
Actually, Toimu (Moses' real name in the park's official records that Kiyo went to verify) have 2 younger brothers after him including the current new born. The brother after him does not stick around Tokkuri 00 much and I suspect it was due to Toimu possessiveness over his mother. From Kiyo's video and explanations, that brother has been cared for by his older sisters and has become very independent for such a young age. I think it may be different for this current baby as Toimu was no where seen in Kiyo's recent video on Tokkuri 00 and her new born. Toimu will be 2 years old now and should be exploring and wrestling with the other boys by now. Thanks for watching and leaving comments, Elaine! 😀
Did you see Tokkuri 00" baby boy. He is very elusive.
No, I didn't manage to see Tokkuri 00's baby boy. He is indeed elusive. I sometimes wonder if this little "bully" in the center is him th-cam.com/video/bmoR6jBedAw/w-d-xo.html 😜 Thanks for watching, aliana!
It's an amusing scene. The little one in the middle is like " you just sit there while I pull at your head" lol