Japanese macaque (snow monkey)At the Detroit ZooThe Detroit Zoo is home to more than a dozen Japanese macaques, which include three males and 10 females. Also known as snow monkeys, they can often be seen basking in the warm steam from their hot tub and entertaining guests with their playful antics in their habitat next to the lions. Description The Japanese macaque has a stout body, strong limbs and a short tail. Its coat has long, dense fur that varies in color from brown to grey. Each adult has exposed red skin on its face and posterior. Scientific name: Macaca fuscata fuscata Continent: Asia, only in Japan Habitat: Broadleaf, deciduous and evergreen forests Size: 1 to 2 feet; tail can be 2 feet Weight: Males can be 24 pounds; females can be 18 pounds Diet: The Japanese macaque is omnivorous, eating leaves, fruit, berries, seeds, small animals, insects and fungi. Reproduction:Gestation 173 days; single infant Lifespan: 30 years Conservation Status: Least Concern |
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FUN FACTS
The Japanese macaque is thought to display culture, or learned behaviors, by passing on knowledge through a troop and potentially through generations.
The Japanese macaque can be seen sitting in naturally occurring hot springs to avoid extreme winter conditions. |
Detroit Zoo Japanese Macaque in the News
When the air turns cold, there's still plenty to see at the Detroit Zoo, including the snow monkeys.
Zoo director Ron Kagan introduces us to the zoo's troop of monkeys, who can be found lounging in the hot tub during the cold winter months. (Source: MyFox Detroit)
Watch the Japanese macaque feature by Joe Ballor of the Daily Tribune here
