A six-month-old baby macaque named Punch, rejected by his mother at birth, now endures harassment from older monkeys at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan.
Background on the Young Macaque
Born in July, Punch has captured attention online for constantly carrying a large stuffed orangutan toy provided for comfort. The toy, bigger than the infant, accompanies him while cuddling and sleeping. Zookeepers continue to hand-feed him to support his growth.
Recent Bullying Incident
Recent footage captures Punch sitting calmly near rocks in the enclosure when a larger macaque suddenly lunges at him. The aggressor drags the screeching infant across the floor and spins him roughly before he slips away.
Punch races down a rocky path to safety, clutching his stuffed toy and glancing back warily. He huddles, making himself as small as possible, while the older monkeys circle nearby. Eventually, the group retreats, leaving Punch alone to groom his fur.
Zookeeper’s Observations
Zookeeper Kosuke Shikano, 24, notes that Punch recovers quickly even after scoldings from other monkeys. “He’s mentally strong,” Shikano states.
As one of the youngest in the troop, Punch must navigate social dynamics independently. He has gained a dedicated following in Japan, with the hashtag #HangInTherePunch trending online.
Macaque Social Behavior
Macaques thrive in complex social structures, often living in troops of up to 100 individuals in the wild. Infants raised without mothers frequently develop poor social skills, reducing their chances of survival in natural habitats.
