A baby monkey named Punch recently captured hearts around the world when a video of the seven-month-old macaque clinging to an orange stuffed orangutan for comfort after other members of his troop appeared to reject him went viral.
Punch was born at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Japan in July 2025. Zoo staff reported that he was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. He was then hand-raised by staff before being integrated into the zoo’s troop of macaques, where he initially appeared to be excluded and bullied by other monkeys.
To help ease his transition, zoo staff gave Punch, known in Japan as Punch-Ken, an orangutan plush toy as a comfort object. A video of the small monkey clinging to the stuffed animal for support touched millions of people who identified with his struggles, sparking the viral hashtag #HangInTherePunch.
Although Japanese macaque mothers do sometimes abandon their young in the wild, according to Born Free USA, “the constraints of captivity exacerbate the negative effects that can result from this dynamic,” as animals held in small, cramped enclosures have fewer opportunities to escape aggression and competition within their group.
Following the original viral video, additional footage circulated showing Punch subjected to aggressive interactions, including one clip in which an adult macaque drags the young monkey across their enclosure. The violent video sparked widespread concern for Punch’s safety. Zoo officials responded by downplaying the incident and characterizing the interaction as normal social dynamics; however, the reality is that nothing is typical about the behavior of animals held in captivity. Monkeys confined in small concrete enclosures and subjected to forced social dynamics that bear no resemblance to the space and freedom they would experience in the wild are known to experience elevated stress and other indicators of compromised welfare.
Punch’s sudden viral fame may also be creating additional stress for him and the more than 50 other monkeys held in the zoo’s “Monkey Mountain” enclosure. Reports indicate that the facility has been flooded with visitors hoping to see the internet sensation, prompting the zoo to limit viewing times and visitor numbers due to the size of the crowds. For animals already confined to a largely barren enclosure with limited enrichment and natural elements, this surge of attention can further disrupt their environment.
Even if Punch is eventually able to successfully integrate into the zoo’s macaque troop, he will still face a lifetime of confinement in an inadequate enclosure.
Take Action Now
Punch deserves better than to spend the rest of his life on display and exploited for profit. Please join Species Unite in calling for Punch to be sent to a reputable animal sanctuary, where he can live out of the spotlight with the care and attention he needs to truly thrive.
