Snow monkeys

Of all the memorable images from the Nagano Winter Olympics, few are as endearing as those of the snow monkeys frolicking on the hillsides and winning hearts the world over. Now wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago has turned his eye to these enchanting primates. Pink-faced with shaggy gray fur, snow monkeys are among nature's most curious creatures, but until now have not received thorough photographic attention. Considered national treasures in Japan, they live in the snowy mountain forests and love to play. Snow Monkeys begins with a series of astounding photographs of the monkeys cavorting with snowballs, climbing trees, and happily roughhousing. They also love to make a splash in Japan's many natural hot springs. (So much so, that once when Iwago was enjoying a dip, one of the monkeys joined him!) Snow Monkeys provides a rare glimpse of these amusing and marvelously photogenic creatures.