SNOW MONKEYS SPA DAY AS WILDLIFE THRIVES IN WINTER WONDERLAND
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
Watch as snow monkeys were filmed relaxing in natural hot springs while other wildlife played, fought, and foraged across snow-covered landscapes.
The scenes were captured by M. S. Ranganathan, a banking professional from India, who travelled from a tropical climate into Japan’s frozen wilderness to document animals thriving in extreme winter conditions.
During the expedition, Ranganathan photographed snow monkeys enjoying hot spring baths, red foxes play-fighting, birds strolling across icy terrain, and cranes and swans performing elegant displays against frozen backdrops.
He shot more than 50,000 images for this project which was planned meticulously after a YouTube video sparked his fascination with cold-climate wildlife.
The journey involved gruelling treks through knee-deep snow and temperatures that got as cold as -29 degrees with biting winds making conditions even harsher.
Ranganathan said: “The sheer toughness required for the trip made me want to do it as soon as the world opened to travel.
“Witnessing and capturing these behaviours was surreal.
“The extreme conditions are only one part of the process; knowing your equipment well is key to making meaningful images.
“Coming from a warm country, this contrast was part of the adventure’s appeal. I hoped these images would inspire others to appreciate the resilience and beauty of wildlife.”
ENDS