GET TO KNOW THE FAMILY

How well do you know the Japanese macaques at the Zoo? You may have seen a few of the active primates climbing up the rock, playing in the water or jumping on the ropes. But not many people know the family story.

The Milwaukee County Zoo is currently home to nine Japanese macaques. The family consists of a dominant male, Kota, and a dominant female, Negai (see family tree below). Kota is the oldest male in the family at the Zoo, making it pretty easy for him to be the leader. You will often see him up on the top of the rock in the outdoor habitat. Negai is the dominant female. The benefits of being the dominant pair include first access to food. Someday, Negai’s youngest daughter, Tomaru, will inherit the dominant status. All nine Japanese macaques live together as one family. There are three 1-year-olds in the habitat that are often seen playing or chasing each other. Young macaques spend a lot of time playing, and sometimes the adults will get in on the fun as well.