A young Japanese monkey named Punch is continuing to adjust to life among his troop at Ichikawa Zoo and Botanical Gardens after being abandoned by his mother shortly after birth.
Punch was born last July but was rejected by his first-time mother in the days that followed. Without maternal care — which is critical for infant macaques — zookeepers stepped in to provide support. One of the most notable measures was introducing a stuffed orangutan toy to give him something to cling to, mimicking the physical contact baby macaques instinctively seek from their mothers.
Punch is now spending more time with other monkeys and being accepted by adults, Ichikawa Zoo says.
The zoo also saw over 8,000 visitors in one weekend due to his viral fame. pic.twitter.com/rbAnnJ1vq9
— Resist Times (World) (@ResistWireWorld) February 24, 2026
In Japanese macaque society, infants typically cling tightly to their mothers’ bodies for warmth, protection, and muscle development. They also learn key social behaviors by observing and interacting under their mother’s guidance. Without that support, Punch has had to navigate the troop’s complex hierarchy largely on his own.
Over recent weeks, videos of Punch interacting with other monkeys inside the enclosure have drawn widespread attention online. Early footage showed him wandering alone while clutching the stuffed toy, occasionally being pushed aside or chased by older macaques. In one widely shared clip, a larger monkey briefly dragged him before he moved away and repositioned himself within the group.
Zoo officials and primate experts say these interactions reflect normal macaque social dynamics rather than targeted aggression. Japanese macaques live in strict matrilineal hierarchies, where rank determines access to food, grooming partners, and preferred resting spots. Younger and lower-ranking members are frequently reminded of their position through physical gestures, vocalizations, or brief displays of dominance.
NEW: After days of rejection, Baby Punch finally felt the warmth of love.
Today, an adult monkey Onsing wrapped little Punch in the tightest, most comforting hug. pic.twitter.com/3pa8HaB8kO
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 20, 2026
While some moments have appeared harsh, other videos show Punch receiving grooming from another monkey — a positive social behavior that strengthens bonds within the troop. Grooming is a key indicator of social acceptance and relationship-building among macaques.
Observers at the zoo say Punch has gradually begun spending more time near monkeys his own size and age. Though older macaques still assert dominance at times, Punch is increasingly seen engaging in exploratory behavior within the group rather than isolating himself.
The stuffed orangutan toy continues to play a role in his development. Zookeepers initially tried alternatives, including rolled towels, before introducing the toy. They hoped that a monkey-shaped object would provide comfort and potentially ease his integration into the troop.
The toy appears to function as an attachment object, offering Punch a sense of security when he faces stressful interactions. However, zoo staff say the long-term goal is for him to rely more on real social bonds within the troop as he matures.
Experts note that without his mother teaching him appropriate submissive behaviors, Punch may take longer to fully adapt to the group’s hierarchy. In macaque societies, young monkeys learn how to signal submission to avoid escalating conflicts. Even so, social learning can still occur through repeated interaction with other troop members.
The zoo has seen a noticeable increase in visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Punch. In response, officials have strengthened viewing guidelines, urging guests to remain quiet and avoid prolonged disruptions near the enclosure to minimize stress on the animals.
Japanese macaques are highly social and intelligent primates that depend heavily on structured group living. Integration into the troop is a gradual process shaped by repeated social exchanges.
For now, Punch continues to grow and adapt within the enclosure. While his early life began with challenges, zoo officials say he is steadily learning how to navigate troop dynamics and establish his place among the other monkeys.
