Baby Macaque Punch Faces Bullying from Older Monkeys After Mother Rejection

A baby macaque who captured widespread attention after being rejected by his mother at birth is now facing further difficulties, this time from older monkeys within his enclosure at a Japanese zoo.

Punch, born in July at Ichikawa City Zoo, became something of an internet sensation after zookeepers gave him a stuffed toy modelled on an orangutan to provide comfort following his mother's rejection. The plush toy, sourced from Ikea, quickly became inseparable from the young macaque, who was photographed sleeping on it and carrying it around his enclosure. Given that Punch is still being hand-fed by zoo staff, the toy remains larger than the animal himself.

The six-month-old has since encountered a more troubling development. Footage shared from the zoo shows Punch sitting quietly near the rocky section of his enclosure when a larger monkey suddenly charges at him, dragging the young macaque across the ground. The attack leaves Punch screaming and spinning before he manages to break free and retreat to safety, clutching his stuffed companion while watching for further advances from the group.

The older monkeys are seen circling Punch as he makes himself as small as possible. The group eventually withdraws, leaving the youngster alone once more.

Despite the ordeal, zookeeper Kosuke Shikano, 24, noted that Punch demonstrates a degree of resilience. Speaking to a Japanese publication, Shikano observed that even after being scolded or set upon by the other animals, the young macaque recovers quickly.

The case of Punch has drawn considerable public sympathy in Japan, with the hashtag translated as HangInTherePunch gaining traction on social media.

His situation reflects a wider challenge observed in macaque populations. The species is considered highly adaptable and typically lives in troops of more than 100 individuals in the wild, relying heavily on social hierarchies and group dynamics for both protection and development. Animals raised without maternal care frequently develop weaker social skills, which can compromise their ability to integrate into group structures and, in natural habitats, reduce their prospects for long-term survival.

Punch remains under the care of zoo staff as keepers continue to monitor his progress and social integration.

Industry Impact and Market Implications

While this story centres on an individual animal rather than a commercial development, it carries relevance for zoological institutions, animal welfare organisations, and the broader conservation sector. Cases of maternal rejection and the subsequent behavioural challenges faced by hand-reared primates are well-documented concerns in zoo management. The resources required to support animals like Punch, including dedicated keeper time, nutritional support, and behavioural monitoring, reflect the operational pressures facing zoological parks that take conservation and welfare responsibilities seriously.

From a public engagement perspective, Punch has demonstrated how animal welfare stories can generate significant organic reach and audience loyalty, particularly in digital and social media environments. For zoos, this kind of visibility supports funding, visitor numbers, and broader conservation advocacy. The story also underscores the growing public interest in animal cognition and emotional wellbeing, an area that continues to influence how zoos position themselves and communicate their purpose to donors, visitors, and policymakers.