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‘Punch’ the baby monkey is capturing hearts worldwide. Here’s why
A 6-month-old monkey named Punch, abandoned at birth at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Japan, has found comfort in a stuffed orangutan. Videos of the baby monkey have gone viral on social media, and he is winning the hearts of people around the world. CNN reports that, upon Punch, who is a Japanese macaque, being abandoned by his mom, zookeepers immediately took action and cared for him by hand day and night.His surrogate mom is a plush orangutan that now serves as a stand-in for his mother’s fur, and as a safe place, CNN reports. As of Thursday, Feb. 19, CNN reported that Punch was slowly joining the troop but still clings to his stuffed friend. Supporters continue to cheer him on online. According to the zoo’s page on X, formerly known as Twitter, his story has also drawn lots of visitors to the small zoo. In a statement released on Friday, zookeepers explained that Punch is showing resilience and strength and that he is progressing in learning to socialize with the other members of his troop. The zookeepers said that integrating an orphaned macaque into a troop that is already established can come with challenges, but that it’s all part of the process. They are asking Punch’s supporters — especially those who visit in person — to show him support as he learns to navigate troop dynamics rather than feeling sorry for him. However, they are also asking visitors who come to the zoo to limit their time on “Monkey Mountain,” which is where the macaques are located, and to observe quietly so as not to disturb them.
A 6-month-old monkey named Punch, abandoned at birth at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Japan, has found comfort in a stuffed orangutan.
Videos of the baby monkey have gone viral on social media, and he is winning the hearts of people around the world.
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CNN reports that, upon Punch, who is a Japanese macaque, being abandoned by his mom, zookeepers immediately took action and cared for him by hand day and night.
His surrogate mom is a plush orangutan that now serves as a stand-in for his mother’s fur, and as a safe place, CNN reports.
As of Thursday, Feb. 19, CNN reported that Punch was slowly joining the troop but still clings to his stuffed friend.
Supporters continue to cheer him on online. According to the zoo’s page on X, formerly known as Twitter, his story has also drawn lots of visitors to the small zoo.
In a statement released on Friday, zookeepers explained that Punch is showing resilience and strength and that he is progressing in learning to socialize with the other members of his troop. The zookeepers said that integrating an orphaned macaque into a troop that is already established can come with challenges, but that it’s all part of the process. They are asking Punch’s supporters — especially those who visit in person — to show him support as he learns to navigate troop dynamics rather than feeling sorry for him. However, they are also asking visitors who come to the zoo to limit their time on “Monkey Mountain,” which is where the macaques are located, and to observe quietly so as not to disturb them.
