When the temperatures soar and the weather gets sticky, nothing feels better than a splash in the pool.
The newest species featured at the Indianapolis Zoo has embraced that mantra fully. Long-tailed macaques, a species of primate found in Southeast Asia, are one of the only kinds of monkeys that are known to swim.
“There are very few primates that actually swim. They can dive down, and hold their breath for about 30 seconds. That’s pretty impressive in the primate world,” said Peggy Hoppe, curator of primates at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Follow the frolicking, splashing and fun of these playful primates when the new macaque exhibit opens at the zoo this weekend. Curators have created an exhibition space so that visitors can watch the monkey play above and below the water.
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The hope is to provide a one-of-a-kind viewpoint so visitors can learn more about these animals, as well as think more about how nature and humans live side by side.
“They live everywhere and can be seen as a pest, and in some cases they’re also revered. It’s important to look at that polarizing attitudes about them, and that we have similar polarizing attitudes among ourselves about the native wildlife in Indiana,” Hoppe said. “Even if you can’t help this particular species where it’s native to, you can help the animals here.”
The new macaque habitat at the zoo has been designed to take advantage of their unusual traits. A troop of 29 monkeys will live in the redesigned space, which had previously housed polar bears.
Japanese forest grass and lilyturf provide group cover vegetation around the habitat, underneath dwarf flowering almond shrubs and Japanese maple trees.
The spacious grassy area is interspersed with pools, with raised platforms over the water so the macaques can showcase their diving abilities.
In their newly remodeled play area, the energetic monkeys climb up platforms, rest on ledges and frolic through the long grass and ground plants. Some hung from crossbars spanning the habitat, while others grouped together grooming.
A covered platform outside the enclosure lets people see the monkeys on land. But a large glass viewing area also gives visitors a chance to view the action under the surface.
In the days leading up to the opening of the exhibit, the monkeys had been feeling out their new home. They were still tentative about the turquoise water waiting for them.
“One of the decisions behind picking this particular species was to take advantage of a species that could swim and swim underwater, using the components that we already have of a great exhibit, revamping it and making it better so people could still take advantage of that piece,” Hoppe said.
Macaques live in the tropical rain forests, snowy mountains and urban areas of Southeast Asia, often beside rivers, oceans or other bodies of water. By developing the ability to swim, the animals have an ideal method of escape when pythons, large cats or other predators attack.
Their unique skills also provide for an additional source of food — the macaques eat not only fruit the fruit hanging in surrounding trees, but dive to capture crabs or grab oysters to supplement their diets.
The animals have shown the ability to create tools to open the tough shells of their underwater prey, which is an example of the intelligence and creativity they show on a regular basis, Hoppe said.
Zoo trainers have been working with the troop of macaques every day for the past few months, learning their habits and observing their behavior as the social structure has emerged.
Dominant and subordinates are clearly delineated in macaque communities, and that’s been clear since the monkeys came to Indianapolis, Hoppe said.
“They are a fully functioning social group. They follow all the rules, do all the fun stuff they’re supposed to do, like the subordinates never eat before the dominants do,” she said. “It’s kind of interesting to see that play out.”
Zoo officials hope that visitors enjoy watching the macaques run, jump and dive in the new habitat. But the exhibit also provides an opportunity for people to think more closely about how they impact the wildlife around them.
Macaques are abundant in Southeast Asia, to the point where the animals are considered a nuisance in some areas. The new exhibit features displays and information about the importance of living harmoniously with the animals around your own home.
“We want to help people understand that this is one big world, and we live with all these animals. People have the same struggles everywhere, and animals have the same struggles everywhere,” Hoppe said.
“They’re going to see a lot of grooming. We have a lot of youngsters and a lot of playing. Hopefully, there will be a lot of swimming out in the exhibit,” Hoppe said.
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Macaques at the Indianapolis Zoo
Where: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
When: Exhibit opens Saturday
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holidays
Cost: Admission to the exhibit is included in a ticket to the zoo. Prices vary depending on day and demand, with prices ranging from $14.45 to $20.95 for adults, $10.95 to $15.95 for children. To buy tickets or check a price, go to indianapoliszoo.com.
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What are macaques? Small primates that live near water and are one of the few species of monkeys that are adept swimmers.
Where do they live? Tropical forests, mountains and urban centers in Southeast Asia.
How big are they? 1 to 2 feet
What do they eat? Fruit, vegetation, crabs, frogs and eggs.
— Information: The Indianapolis Zoo
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