In Yokohama's first snowfall of the year, Kangaroos create a circle for shelter- Zoorasia

Translated from the original article at: http://kohoku.keizai.biz/headline/493/

January 21, 2012

Red Kangaroos gather, creating a "Kangaroo Circle"

January 20th was the date of Yokohama's first snowfall.  Before the eyes of spectators, the Red Kangaroos of Zoorasia, seeking shelter, formed a circle amongst themselves.
(Zoorasia is located in the town of Kamishirane, Asahi Ward, Yokohama City Tel# 045-959-1000)

On the 20th, the temperature at Zoorasia fell to nearly 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 F). As more and more snow fell and accumulated inside the zoo, thirty red kangaroos gathered under a roof in the corner of their enclosure. Warming themselves up by gathering close together, they had created a "Kangaroo Circle".

Since red kangaroos are used to inhabiting an arid environment, their body hair contains little oil, making conditions such as rain and snow difficult to deal with. They're also not suited for the cold. Thus while the snow was falling in that park that day, they were seen gathering in a circle.

Additionally on that day, Japanese Macaques were spotted forming "Monkey Circles". The adults placed their children in the center, warming up their freezing bodies.


Original text:
横浜で初雪、カンガルーは「だんご」を作る－ズーラシア
2012年01月21日

アカカンガルーが集まり「カンガルーだんご」を作った

横浜で初雪が観測された1月20日、よこはま動物園ズーラシア（横浜市旭区上白根町、TEL 045-959-1000）で、アカカンガルーの「カンガルーだんご」が確認された。

20日のズーラシアの気温は2度近くまで下がった。雪が降り積もる園内では、飼育されている約30頭のアカカンガルーが屋根のある一角に集まり、体を温め合う「カンガルーだんご」を作った。

アカカンガルーは乾燥した地域に生息する動物のため体毛に油が少なく、雨や雪などが苦手。寒さにも弱いため、雪が降るほどの寒い日には同園では「カンガルーだんご」を見ることができる。

そのほか、この日にはニホンザルによる「サルだんご」も確認され、大人のサルたちが子ザルたちを真ん中に入れ冷えた体を温め合っていた。