Monkeys at Japan zoo greet cold winter with annual bonfire

Roasted sweet potatoes, anyone?Zookeepers lit a bonfire for the Yakushima macaques at the Japan Monkey Center earlier this week, ahead of the official start of an annual ritual on Saturday, this year's winter solstice.The group of about 160 macaques huddled around the open fire, with some turning their bellies toward the flames while others held out their hands to enjoy the warmth.When zookeepers distributed sweet potatoes roasted in the bonfire, the monkeys happily gobbled up the baked treat.The tradition of lighting a bonfire for the Japanese monkeys at the zoo in Inuyama, Aichi Prefectur…READ FULL ARTICLE