Ethiopian Monkeys Master the Group Hug to Beat the Cold

If you've ever shivered through a winter morning, spare a thought for the gelada monkeys of Ethiopia. These primates, native to chilly grasslands, have perfected the art of the communal cuddle. And no, they're not climbing trees to escape the cold — because unlike almost every other monkey, they prefer to hang out on the ground, just like us.

At the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart, Germany, a pile of these magnificent creatures was caught in the act of what can only be described as peak cozy. Mongabay's photo editor, Julie Larsen, snapped this moment back in 2014, noting the cold weather provided ideal conditions for a full-on group hug and some mutual grooming.

Larsen observed one particularly smug-looking monkey in the middle, clearly relishing its prime, toasty spot, before the group enveloped her entirely. The result? "A single blanket of chocolate-colored shaggy fur." Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying if you're stuck on the outside.

Dario Fraschetti, a scientific assistant at Wilhelma Zoo, pointed out that the short-haired monkeys in the photo are likely females. The males, apparently not to be outdone in the style department, sport long manes and a rather fetching bright red chest patch. The zoo's 30 to 40 geladas are mostly females, mirroring their natural social dynamics in the wild.

These furry, grass-munching ground-dwellers have surprisingly complex social lives, communicating through a symphony of vocal calls, hugs, and — naturally — extensive grooming sessions. This is particularly true among the females, who are the real social glue of the troop.

The zoo is part of a Europe-wide program to keep these captive-bred populations healthy. And in a heartwarming twist, wild gelada mothers have been observed hugging unrelated new moms more often in the months after giving birth. Because apparently, even in the animal kingdom, sometimes you just need a good hug.