Punch

Punch is a Japanese macaque born on July 26, 2025, at the Ichikawa Zoo and Botanical Garden in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He was named in honor of Monkey Punch, a Japanese manga artist. Punch gained international attention after being rejected by his mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers provided him with a plush orangutan toy for comfort. He became newsworthy due to viral videos showing his struggles to socialize with other monkeys and his reliance on the plush toy. Recent developments indicate that Punch, now seven months old, is beginning to outgrow his plushie and is starting to interact more with his peers. His story highlights the challenges faced by animals rejected by their mothers and the role of human intervention in providing care and support. Punch's journey has resonated with animal lovers worldwide, drawing attention to animal behavior and welfare.