A baby macaque that once attracted global attention for clutching a stuffed animal is now showing signs of growing independence. punchThe baby monkey at the Ichikawa City Zoo is eight months old and is gradually adapting to life among the monkeys.
Punch was born on July 26, 2025, but was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers stepped in to raise him and provided a stuffed toys For comfort.
A video of the little macaque dragging a toy around went viral, making him an internet celebrity. The hashtag #HangInTherePunch gained traction and visitors from around the world flocked to the zoo.
The zoo’s daily visitor numbers have jumped to around 2,000 to 3,000, according to AFP, which is almost ten times the usual off-season numbers.
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“I think that’s the relevance of it,” one visitor told AFP, explaining why Punch’s story resonated with so many people.
let go of toys
Now, the latest updates and images suggest that Punch isn’t as dependent on his stuffed sidekick anymore. Although he once rarely saw people without it, he increasingly spent time exploring, playing, and interacting with other monkeys.
Earlier this month, zoo officials noticed that Punch was grabbing toys less frequently as he acclimated.
Recent videos show him climbing, playing with branches and even seeking shelter with other macaques: signs that he is slowly integrating into the group.
Learn the rules of the army
Japanese macaque Following a strict social hierarchy, newcomers often face seemingly rough treatment.
Zoo official An Yonglong said this behavior is part of normal social interaction. He explained that higher-status monkeys may “discipline and scold” younger monkeys, which is “fundamentally different from abuse in human society.”
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“We are patiently and attentively watching as ‘Punch’ is trained within the ranks and learns the rules of monkey society,” said Ernst.
Visitors also noticed his gradual progress. “He’s been through a lot, but to see him through adversity… it’s nice to see his strength,” one tourist told AFP.
