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 YouTube 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