Punch The Monkey Once More Gets Bullied Days After Being Accepted — Returns To His Stuffed Orangutan

Punch, the infant Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, has experienced a fresh setback in his integration into the troop after a confrontation with an adult member. Just days after the six-month-old orphan appeared to have been accepted into the group, new footage emerged showing the young monkey being disciplined.

The video, which began spreading across social media on 19 February 2026, shows an adult female macaque grabbing Punch and dragging him across the enclosure floor. The infant later retreated to a stuffed toy placed within the habitat, an object previously introduced by zoo staff.

While the footage sparked concerns among social media users, zoo officials have stated that such interactions are a necessary part of the infant's development. Punch, also known as Panchi-kun, was rejected by his biological mother at birth and has been hand-reared by keepers. His transition into the troop requires him to learn the complex social hierarchy of the macaques, often through physical correction from older members.

Conflict on Monkey Mountain

Visitors captured video of the encounter, which showed the adult monkey pulling Punch several metres before releasing him. To many observers, the scene appeared to be a significant rejection of the infant. Following the confrontation, a visibly distressed Punch was seen diving into the arms of his plush surrogate, a stuffed orangutan provided by zookeepers.

In an official statement released on 20 February 2026, the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden explained that the event was a case of social boundary-setting. According to the staff, Punch had attempted to interact with another infant in the troop. The other infant's mother likely misinterpreted Punch's social cues and reacted protectively to ensure he kept a respectful distance.

Zoo staff explained that macaque groups operate within strict hierarchies, where young members learn behavioural limits through physical intervention and correction.

IKEA Surrogate Strategy

Zookeepers have emphasised that Punch's reliance on his stuffed toy is a vital emotional safety net. The toy was part of a donation from IKEA Japan intended to provide comfort to the orphaned macaque during his transition. While he is becoming increasingly bold in his exploration, he still lacks the nuanced social language of a macaque raised naturally by its mother.

The zoo's statement noted that Punch has experienced being scolded or grabbed on several previous occasions. Through these experiences, he is learning the communication methods necessary for living within a hierarchical group. Officials reassured the public that while the interaction appeared harsh to human eyes, no member of the troop has shown a genuine intent to cause the infant physical harm.

Recovery and Integration

Despite the incident, Punch has continued participating in monitored socialisation sessions. Zoo officials reported that the infant resumed feeding and exploratory behaviour shortly after the encounter.

The story has resulted in record attendance at the Ichikawa City Zoo, with daily visitor numbers reaching four times their usual levels. Staff continue to monitor the infant's progress as he balances his attachment to his surrogate with the realities of life on the zoo's 'Monkey Mountain'.

Zoo officials say the long-term objective remains full social integration without reliance on the surrogate toy.