A baby Japanese macaque named Punch, who was abandoned by his mother and bullied by other monkeys, has been removed from his enclosure at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan. The seven-month-old monkey gained international attention after videos of him being dragged and chased by older monkeys went viral. Zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort after his mother rejected him.
Experts say the abandonment may be due to the mother's inexperience and a heatwave at the time of Punch's birth. Alison Behie, a primatology expert at Australian National University, noted that first-time mothers may prioritise their own health in stressful environments. The zoo has since seen a surge in visitors, leading to stricter barriers and rules around the enclosure.
Conservation psychologist Carla Litchfield warned that the attention could fuel illegal pet trade, as monkeys grow up quickly and are not suitable pets. The zoo has not commented on the long-term plan for Punch, but the removal aims to reduce stress and allow for better integration into the troop.
