Snow Monkey Onsen — Jigokudani Hot Spring
163.00 £
A Japanese macaque relaxing in the geothermally heated spring pool at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano — the quintessential winter wildlife portrait of comfort and contemplation.
Description
The Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) of Jigokudani — Hell’s Valley — have used the geothermal spring pool at this site for over 50 years, their bath behaviour originally learned by a single young female in 1963 and spreading through the troop by social learning. This photograph captures a large adult male in the characteristic half-submerged position, the steam from the 41°C water creating a soft atmospheric backdrop while the animal’s face projects from the water surface in a expression of absolute relaxed contentment. The snow on the surrounding rocks, the winter forest background, and the steam atmosphere create the defining visual elements of Jigokudani wildlife photography. Made with a 300mm lens from the permitted viewing area.
