Snow Monkey Chooses Name for Offspring at Regenstein Macaque Forest

Chicago (April 22, 2016) – One of Lincoln Park Zoo’s snow monkeys, Izumi, chose the name for her female infant this week using touchscreen computer technology at Regenstein Macaque Forest.  The infant, born March 18, has been named Iwaki.

Izumi (11 years old) was given two name options via touchscreen computer upon entering the state-of-the-art cognition cube at the macaque exhibit. The names for all of the snow monkeys at the zoo are inspired by Japanese cities, paying homage to macaques’ native habitat. Izumi’s name choices were Ikoma or Iwaki, intentionally starting with the same “I,” just as mother Izumi, to demonstrate the prominent matrilines in this species.

Japanese macaques are found throughout most of Japan and are known for their tolerance for extreme climates, from sub-tropical lowlands to sub-alpine regions. While snow monkey populations do have alpha males, rank is determined by matrilines, meaning societal rank is inherited by offspring from their mothers.

Izumi is the highest ranking female in the zoo’s snow monkey troop. Additionally, Izumi is the most active participant and one of the fastest touchscreen problem-solvers when engaging with researchers in the cognition cube.

Zoo visitors have daily opportunities to witness zoo behavioral scientists working with the snow monkeys in the public-facing researcher booth. The Japanese macaques voluntarily participate by entering the cube, and upon operating the touch screen computers, receive a food item as positive reinforcement. This practice enables researchers to study the cognitive abilities of these monkeys, making this the most in-depth zoo-based research program for this species in the world. Visitors to the zoo can learn more about these studies during weekday presentations at the exhibit at 11:40 a.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to conservation and research of primates through the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Fisher Center researchers engage in cutting-edge science at the zoo and in the wild to learn more about how to best understand and protect our closest living relatives.

More information on Lincoln Park Zoo’s Regenstein Macaque Forest and snow monkeys can be found at snowmonkeys.org.  

Media Contact   

Jillian Braun 
312-742-5791
JBraun@lpzoo.org

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or visit lpzoo.org.