Punch

Punch is a Japanese macaque born in July at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. He gained international attention after being rejected by his mother, reportedly due to a difficult birth, and subsequently bullied by other monkeys. Zookeepers provided him with a stuffed orangutan toy (an Ikea Djungelskog) for comfort. Punch's story resonated with many, and videos of him struggling to socialize went viral, garnering him a large online following. Recent news focuses on Punch's progress in socializing with other monkeys and his apparent growth, as he begins to outgrow his comfort toy. His story highlights the challenges faced by animals abandoned by their mothers and the role of human intervention in providing care and support.