Punch, whose full name is Punch-kun, is “energetic as usual” and is now interacting with other young Japanese macaques without his stuffed toy, the viral baby monkey’s home at the zoo said after the public became concerned about the Internet-famous primate’s health.
In a statement released on February 26 on X, the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Japan addressed several questions from visitors who came to see Punch.
Visitors were concerned about his left hand, which they said “looked injured”. However, the zoo assured them that Punch was fine, saying: “We have received concerned comments about his left arm, such as ‘Is he hurt?’ but we had him checked by a vet just to be sure and there is no abnormality.’
“He was playing with the other monkeys without using his stuffed toy. He is spending time energetically as usual,” they added.
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In a previous statement, the zoo noted that many visitors were coming to see the baby monkey Punch, noting that many inquired about the health of Punch and his fellow macaques.
Some guests observed noticeable hair loss in several macaques in the troop.
However, zoo veterinarians confirmed that the monkeys’ food intake and weight were adequate and that “no obvious disease was evident”.
The staff said in a statement that the hair loss may be primarily due to excessive grooming, a behavior that increases during the colder months when the macaques huddle together for warmth. Three staff members have been working since June 2025 to test ways to solve the problem, the zoo said.
According to a statement, the zoo continues to refer to domestic and international case studies to improve conditions.
Responding to criticism of the “monkey mountain” habitat, the zoo said “the welfare of the animals is a top priority”.
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‘We prefer the safe reception of Punch’
The zoo said Punch uses the back rooms, which are not visible to visitors, as a refuge. They noted that the zoo has four back rooms that remain open at all times.
“Many trees designed for environmental enrichment have become excellent play tools, especially for young monkeys, including Punch,” the zoo said. “We are always looking for the best ways to improve the environment.”
However, she acknowledged that the zoo must balance environmental changes with Punch’s social development, saying the baby macaque is still integrating into the pack and a “radical change” in habitat could disrupt group dynamics or lead to further bullying.
For now, the zoo said it is prioritizing the safe acceptance of Punch into the group while continuing to evaluate improvements.
What is the story of Punch the Monkey?
Born in July 2025, Panchi-kun or Punch in English is a Japanese macaque who was abandoned by his mother at birth at the Ichikawa City Zoo.
Since Japanese macaque babies usually cling to their mothers to build muscle strength and feel secure, Punch was given an orange orangutan with bugs.
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Why did Punch’s mother leave him?
Zookeeper Kosuke Shikano thinks Punch’s mother abandoned him due to the extreme heat in July when she gave birth.
