Is Punch The Monkey Dead? Heartbreaking Video Shows Viral Primate 'Not Moving' Amidst Continued Bullying From Olders

A video circulating on social media shows a juvenile Japanese macaque known as Punch lying motionless beside his 'Oran-Mama' plush toy after an encounter with older members of his troop. The footage, which spread widely online, led some viewers to question whether the seven-month-old animal had died after the incident.

Officials at Ichikawa City Zoo said Punch is alive and currently in stable condition. In a statement released on 8 March, staff confirmed that the young macaque had been examined after the video prompted concern from viewers around the world.

Pond Incident Raises Questions Online

According to the facility, a review of enclosure surveillance footage and recordings provided by visitors showed that Punch was pushed into the pond during an interaction with another monkey. The animal did not fall into the water on his own. Staff said the individual macaque involved has been identified and that measures have been taken to manage behaviour within the troop.

Veterinary staff examined Punch again on Sunday following the incident. Keepers said checks of his left arm, which had become a particular concern among online viewers, showed no swelling or heat. Later the same day, Punch was seen eating normally and moving around the 'Monkey Mountain' habitat.

Troop Integration and Social Behaviour

Punch was born on 26 July 2025 and was hand-raised by keepers after being abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. As a result, staff have been gradually introducing him to the larger troop of Japanese macaques living at the enclosure.

The 'Monkey Mountain' habitat houses around 60 macaques. According to keepers, young monkeys typically learn to interact within the group by spending time with older animals while staff monitor their behaviour.

The pond incident captured in the viral video occurred during one of these interactions. After reviewing the footage, staff said the young macaque was pushed into the water by another member of the troop.

Officials confirmed that the animal involved has been identified and that interactions within the group are continuing to be monitored as Punch spends more time with the other macaques.

Health Monitoring and Visitor Interest

Punch has attracted significant attention from visitors in recent weeks after images circulated online showing him holding an orange plush toy. The toy, known as 'Oran-Mama', was provided by keepers while he was being raised by staff to simulate the contact an infant macaque would normally receive from its mother.

Interest in the young macaque increased further after the video showing him lying beside the toy was shared online. According to staff, the clip showed Punch resting shortly after the pond incident.

The growing popularity of the animal has also increased attendance at the facility, with daily visitor numbers reaching around 6,000 people. To manage crowds around the enclosure, a 10-minute viewing limit has been introduced.

Veterinary teams said Punch will continue to receive regular health checks as he spends more time interacting with the troop. Staff added that the macaque has remained active in the enclosure and continues to eat and move normally following the examination.

Officials said monitoring will continue as Punch progresses through the process of joining the larger group of macaques.