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DUKAS_24959141_REX
Japanese macaque, Jigokudani, Japan - 16 Jul 2012
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Stevenson / Rex Features (1803220t)
Sink Or Swim For Baby Monkeys
It's a real case of sink or swim for these baby monkeys.
The tiny youngsters are seen holding onto their mothers for dear life as they get taken for a swim - whether they like it or not - in the search for food.
Wildlife photographer Dave Stevenson watched as the unwilling Japanese macaques got a dunking when their mothers dived to the bottom of a pool in Jigokundani, Japan.
The act left their children with a tricky choice - let go of mum or hold on tight and hold their breath.
Even after choosing to remain with their mother, the youngsters made every effort they could to stay above water.
Straining their necks and lifting their heads up high, some were able to avoid being totally submerged, while others weren't so fortunate.
Dave comments: "Their parents dive for grain at the bottom of the pool and the infants have a choice of waiting on the side or risking the water.
"Despite not liking being underwater much they cling on and get taken for a swim as a result".
They might dislike getting wet but these young monkeys will actually spend a lot of their lives in water.
Japanese macaques are also known as Snow Monkeys and during the winter months they are famous for spending much of the day keeping warm in the area's hot springs.
And when summer arrives they put their swimming skills to good use by fishing food from the bottom of water pools.
After a brisk swim it is time to dry out in the sun and have a passing neighbour groom you.
Meanwhile, after enduring their swimming lesson the young macaques are soon up to mischief when playtime begins.
MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Dave Stevenson / Rex Features
For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/INZAXNFFC (FOTO:DUKAS/REX)
DUKAS/REX