Japanese Macaques
Meet a monkey that’s at home in the snow. We are home to females ‘Sachi’, ‘Shawna’, ‘Suki’, and ‘Loki’.
The world’s most northern primate species
Also known as snow monkeys, Japanese macaques are renowned for their ability to thrive in frigid conditions thanks to their heavy, insulating coats. They inhabit various environments across certain Japanese islands, including mixed forests and mountainous regions. Japanese macaques are particularly famous for their unique behaviours of soaking and playing in natural hot springs, which are heated by nearby volcanoes.
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (at relatively low risk of extinction in the wild)
- Type: Mammal
- Habitat: Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu
- Diet: Omnivore – fruit, leaves, and invertebrates
- Size: 52 to 57 centimetres
- Weight: 8.4 to 11.3 kilograms
facts about our animals
Fun Facts about Japanese Macaques
This species is predominantly quadrupedal.
Japanese macaques have cheek pouches for food storage.
They sleep in trees.
Japanese macaques have a matrilineal social structure.
During winter, they typically rely on bark and buds for sustenance.
Young macaques may make snowballs when they play.
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