Why Is Punch the Monkey Being Bullied? Viral Baby Macaque's Heartbreaking Story Explained

A tiny macaque clinging to an orange stuffed toy has become a global sensation with his emotional story attracting so many around the world.

Videos showing Punch — a baby Japanese macaque at a zoo in Japan — being chased, pulled or pushed by older monkeys have clocked up millions of views in recent weeks, and many viewers have described the scenes as distressing.

People have called out the zoo authorities and have insisted that they step in to save Punch from 'bullying' he has been facing by his community. Yet those caring for Punch claim that the story is more complicated than what is being unfolded online.

Punch Has Difficult Beginnings

Punch, known in Japan as Panchi-kun, was born on July 26 2025, at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture.

According to the zoo, he was rejected by his first-time mother shortly after birth during a period of intense summer heat. A visitor alerted keepers after noticing the newborn alone in the enclosure. Later, staff intervened and began hand-rearing him.

According to wildlife experts, maternal rejection in primates is uncommon but documented. It can occur with inexperienced mothers, after difficult births, or during periods of environmental stress. In the wild, such infants would be unlikely to survive. However, in managed settings, keepers provide round-the-clock care.

Punch was reportedly bottle-fed and monitored closely. Because baby Japanese macaques instinctively cling to their mothers' fur for warmth and muscle development, staff introduced substitute comfort objects.

After trialling towels and other materials, they selected a long-haired orange stuffed orangutan toy, chosen for its texture and grip, and since then, the toy has become a fixture in Punch's daily life, frequently seen tucked tightly under his arm.

When Did Punch Become Viral?

In January this year, Punch was gradually introduced to the troop to begin social integration. Experts say that Japanese macaques are highly social animals, and long-term isolation would pose serious developmental risks.

It was during this phase that videos began circulating online.

One clip shows an adult female macaque dragging Punch a short distance after he approaches her infant. In others, he is seen being pushed aside or chased away. Each time, he retreats, often grabbing his toy before attempting to re-engage.

The footage of being rejected and kicked out had such an emotional appeal on the viewers that it sparked widespread outrage. Viewers described the behaviour as bullying, with some urging the zoo to separate him permanently for his safety.

The zoo responded in statements posted to social media, saying that while Punch has been 'scolded many times,' no serious aggression or injury has occurred. Keepers stressed that no individual monkey has persistently targeted him.

Is It Bullying or Something Else?

According to experts, Japanese macaques live in matrilineal groups structured by strict hierarchies. Young monkeys usually inherit social rank from their mothers, who also intervene on their behalf during disputes. Punch, lacking that maternal protection, must navigate the troop without an inherited status.

Experts note that behaviours which look harsh to human observers can form part of normal boundary-setting within primate groups. Brief chasing, dragging or pushing can serve as a correction rather than a sustained attack.

Also, recent footage from the Zoo where Punch stays suggests gradual progress. Punch has been observed grooming and being groomed, which is a key social bonding ritual among macaques. He has also been seen climbing onto the backs of older monkeys and remaining in closer proximity to the group.

Keepers describe him as resilient and quick to resume interaction after setbacks.

Hence, what millions see as bullying, those inside the enclosure describe as learning. For now, Punch remains under close supervision as he continues to mingle in his group.