A baby monkey in Japan has touched hearts around the world after videos of him being bullied and left alone went viral last week. The young Japanese macaque, named Punch, was born in July at Ichikawa Zoo.
Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Without her care and protection, he struggled to mix with the other monkeys in the enclosure. In several videos shared online, he can be seen being chased and dragged by older macaques. In one clip, a larger monkey pulls him in a circle before he runs away and hides behind a rock, tightly hugging a stuffed toy.
Zoo staff gave Punch a soft orangutan toy after trying other options, such as rolled towels, to help comfort him. Since baby Japanese macaques usually cling to their mothers for warmth, safety, and strength, Punch had nothing to hold onto after being rejected. The toy now gives him a sense of security.
Earlier videos showed him walking alone while holding the toy close to his chest. Later, some viewers felt hopeful when another monkey was seen grooming and comforting him. However, new footage showed that he was again being targeted by others in the group.
Experts say that it is rare but possible for monkey mothers to abandon their babies. Australian National University primatology expert Alison Behie explained that factors like inexperience, health, or stress can lead to such behavior. In Punch’s case, his mother was a first-time parent. Zoo officials also said he was born during a heatwave, which may have added extra stress.
Zookeepers hope the toy, which looks like a monkey, will help Punch feel safe and possibly make it easier for him to connect with the troop in the future.
Punch’s story has sparked global sympathy and raised awareness about animal behavior and care in zoos.