In 1963, Japanese macaques began making their way out of Jigokudani’s mountain forests to warm themselves in the natural hot springs, all thanks to one young monkey that retrieved soybeans from the water and decided the heat felt great. Smart monkey.
Today, Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous for the furry and rested-looking residents who continue to enjoy its steamy waters during the four months every year that it’s snowy and a possible five degrees Fahrenheit.
This very zen video of the macaques, also known as Snow Monkeys, was filmed by Art Gimbel and is featured at National Geographic, via NPR.
On TKSST: Watch more Snow Monkeys in hot springs and more monkeys.
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