The Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Japan has responded to online claims that its viral star, Punch the Monkey, is being bullied by fellow monkeys.
Punch has captured hearts worldwide after the baby Japanese macaque was abandoned by its mother. Subsequently, Zookeepers have comforted him with an Ikea orangutan toy as a substitute, reducing many viewers to tears. To make matters worse, online footage shows Punch being continuously rejected by fellow primates, often resorting to his stuffed animal for emotional support.
Zoo officials have removed several monkeys from the enclosure
In a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), the zoo addressed a newly viral video. In the video, Punch appeared to be dragged by a larger, adult monkey, which raised concerns online. Many expressed concerns over whether the zoo was doing enough to protect its animals.
“Although Punch has been scolded many times by other monkeys, no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him,” the zoo said. “When you observe these disciplinary behaviors from other troop members toward Punch when he tries to communicate with them, we would like you to support Punch’s effort rather than feel sorry for him.”
Primate experts at the zoo went on to emphasize that much of the behavior seen was very common for macaques. They follow “a strict hierarchical society, and dominant individuals show ‘disciplining actions’ toward their subordinates,” the statement added.
Macaques have been studied by institutions related to the zoo for over 80 years. The experts underlined that “these behaviors differ” from human abuse. Additionally, they mentioned that these actions are “not limited to Punch’s group.”
The statement also added a more optimistic conclusion for those concerned about Punch. “The number of monkeys who look after or play with Punch is also increasing. Because of this, the time Punch spends away from his stuffed toy has increased,” the zoo continued.
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