Baby Monkey’s Viral Story Sparks Global Concern

A seven-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch has captured global attention after videos showing him clinging to a stuffed toy and struggling to integrate with his troop went viral.

Punch was born last July at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan. In recent weeks, footage circulating on social media has shown the young macaque wandering alone in his enclosure, holding tightly to a plush orangutan toy given to him by zookeepers after he was rejected by his mother.

Early clips showed Punch being pushed away by other monkeys and clutching the toy as he was chased or dragged. In one widely shared video, a larger macaque is seen pulling him in a circle before Punch runs to hide behind a rock, still hugging the stuffed animal.

The images sparked concern from viewers worldwide, along with questions about why a mother monkey would abandon her baby.

Why Do Mother Monkeys Abandon Their Babies?

Alison Behie, a primatology expert at the Australian National University, said maternal abandonment among macaques is unusual but not unheard of.

“In Punch’s case, their mother was a first-time mother, indicating inexperience,” Behie said.

She added that environmental stress may have played a role.

“Zookeepers also suggest Punch was born during a heatwave, which would be a high stress environment,” Behie said. “In environments where survival is threatened from outside stress, mothers may prioritise their own health and future reproduction rather than continue to care for an infant whose health may be compromised by those environmental conditions.”

Japanese macaques are highly social primates with strict matrilineal hierarchies. According to Behie, the behavior seen in the viral clips should not be interpreted as bullying.

“The behaviours of other monkeys towards Punch isn’t bullying or any abnormal behaviour, but regular social interaction,” she said.

However, she noted that without his mother, Punch may face additional challenges as he grows.

“Punch may not develop the appropriate subordinate responses to show they submit to the dominance, which could have ongoing implications for the way they integrate into the group as an adult,” Behie said.

Why Zookeepers Gave Him a Stuffed Toy

After Punch’s abandonment, zoo staff attempted several methods to provide comfort. They first rolled towels to different thicknesses to simulate something he could grip.

Eventually, they introduced a stuffed orangutan.

“Baby Japanese macaques immediately cling on to their mother’s body after birth to build muscle strength. They also get a sense of security through holding on to something. However, because he had been abandoned, Punch had nothing to grip on to,” zookeeper Kosuke Shikano said.

“We thought that looking like a monkey might help Punch integrate back into the troop later on,” Shikano added.

Behie said the toy likely functions as an attachment figure.

“The toy Punch has may be serving as an attachment figure, especially given they are six months old so likely still need to be nursed,” she said.

Viral Fame and Bigger Conversations

The attention has brought a surge of visitors to Ichikawa Zoo. Officials have since enforced stricter barriers around the enclosure and asked guests to remain quiet, avoid using stepladders or tripods and limit prolonged viewing.

Carla Litchfield, a conservation psychologist at Adelaide University, said Punch’s story reflects larger issues.

“This story about Punch highlights the impacts of habitat loss, climate change, zoo animal welfare, and the power of social media to connect people to animals,” Litchfield said.

She also warned about unintended consequences.

“However, hopefully the millions of social media likes, and attention won’t exacerbate the problem of illegal trade in infant monkeys for the exotic pet trade because everyone thinks baby monkeys are cute and would make a great pet,” she said.

“Monkeys grow up quickly – Punch will be an adult in four years – and people no longer find them cute and manageable. Monkeys belong with other monkeys. They are social beings and need to be with their own species to thrive mentally and physically.”

Punch is not the first zoo animal to draw international fascination. In 2024, Moo Deng, a young pygmy hippo in Thailand, also became a viral sensation.

For now, visitors continue to watch Punch as he navigates life in the troop, toy in hand, while experts emphasize that his story is both touching and complex.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.