Quick Read
- Baby macaque Punch, abandoned at birth in July 2025, gained fame for clinging to a plush orangutan toy at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo.
- A recent viral video showed Punch appearing to be dragged by an adult monkey, causing widespread public concern.
- Ichikawa City Zoo officials clarified on February 20, 2026, that the incident was a normal disciplinary behavior within macaque social groups.
- The zoo reassured the public that Punch is resilient and making gradual progress in integrating into the troop.
- IKEA Japan donated additional plush toys, and public interest in Punch’s welfare remains high, drawing more visitors to the zoo.
CHIBA, JAPAN (Azat TV) – Officials at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo have issued a statement clarifying a recent viral video that sparked widespread concern, showing the internet-famous baby macaque, Punch, appearing to be dragged by an adult monkey. The zoo explained on Friday, February 20, 2026, that the incident, which occurred on Thursday, February 19, was a normal instance of disciplinary behavior within macaque social groups, reassuring an anxious global audience about Punch’s well-being as he continues his challenging journey of integration into the troop.
Viral Concerns Over Baby Monkey Punch’s Integration
Punch, known locally as Panchi-kun, first captured hearts worldwide after being abandoned by his first-time mother shortly after his birth in July 2025 near Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo. Hand-reared by dedicated zookeepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi, Punch developed a deep attachment to a plush orangutan toy, affectionately dubbed “Oran-mama” by his online fans, carrying it everywhere for comfort and security. Videos of him clinging to the bright orange toy went viral, drawing immense sympathy and a dedicated following.
However, public sentiment shifted to distress this past week when new footage circulated on social media platforms, including X, showing an adult monkey seemingly dragging Punch across the enclosure. Onlookers at the zoo reportedly gasped, and online comments quickly reflected widespread worry about the six-month-old macaque’s safety and acceptance within the troop. The video prompted numerous inquiries and expressions of concern directed at the Ichikawa City Zoo.
Ichikawa Zoo Clarifies Macaque Social Dynamics
In response to the growing alarm, Ichikawa City Zoo officials released a statement on Friday, February 20, to address the viral video. They explained that the incident, recorded on Thursday morning, involved Punch attempting to communicate with another baby monkey. When that interaction was rebuffed, Punch sat down, appearing to give up, before being ‘scolded and dragged by an adult monkey,’ according to the zoo’s statement. Zookeepers clarified that this behavior is a typical form of discipline within macaque social groups.
“She probably felt that her baby was annoyed by Punch and got upset, expressing ‘don’t be mean,’” the zoo’s statement noted, as reported by USA Today. They emphasized that Punch is still young and learning the complex rules of macaque socialization. While the video showed Punch retreating to his plush toy for comfort, the zoo confirmed that he soon left the toy to continue interacting with other monkeys, indicating his resilience and mental strength. Zoo official Yasunaga Takashi expressed surprise at the increased visitor numbers to the monkey mountain, hoping the public would continue to follow Punch’s progress.
Punch’s Journey: From Abandonment to Troop Life
Punch’s journey to integration has been gradual and challenging. Initial attempts to introduce him to other macaques were met with difficulty, as some ignored him and others reacted aggressively. The plush orangutan toy became his constant companion, serving as a shield when he felt nervous around other monkeys. A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology noted that primiparous macaque mothers often abandon their infants, possibly due to a lack of experience, providing context for Punch’s early struggles.
Despite the setbacks, there have been positive signs of progress. Reports from TBS News and other outlets highlight recent videos showing an adult monkey named Onsing pulling Punch into an embrace and gently grooming him. Grooming is a crucial social behavior among primates, fostering trust and strengthening group bonds, suggesting that Punch is slowly being accepted into the troop. Zoo officials reiterated that they anticipated such challenges during Punch’s integration process and that no single monkey has shown serious aggression towards him.
Public and Corporate Support for Punch
The story of Punch has resonated deeply with animal lovers globally, leading to a wave of online support under hashtags like #HangInTherePunch. This widespread attention also prompted corporate engagement. On Tuesday, February 17, IKEA Japan’s president, Petra Färe, visited the Ichikawa City Zoo and donated a ‘mountain of plushies,’ including several DJUNGELSKOG orangutan toys, to ensure Punch and other animals continue to feel safe and protected during integration. IKEA accounts worldwide have leveraged Punch’s story, posting edited photos of their plush animals embracing the baby macaque, further amplifying his story.
The Ichikawa City Zoo has also posted a notice on its website, asking visitors to be mindful of the facility’s small size and rules at the monkey viewing enclosure, reflecting the surge in visitors drawn by Punch’s fame. This collective attention underscores the public’s investment in Punch’s welfare and his successful integration into his natural social environment.
The Ichikawa City Zoo’s proactive clarification of the viral video demonstrates a commitment to transparency, effectively managing public concern by educating viewers on the nuanced realities of animal social behavior rather than allowing misinterpretations to fester. This approach highlights the delicate balance zoos must strike between public engagement and animal welfare, especially when individual animals become global sensations.