US EditionBaby Monkey Punch Acclimatising, Making New Friends at Japan Zoo
Punch, a seven-month-old macaque, drew 2,000 to 3,000 daily visitors to Ichikawa City Zoo, raising concerns from animal rights groups about his welfare in captivity.
- Seven-Month-Old Punch, an abandoned macaque, has drawn record crowds to Ichikawa City Zoo after viral clips showed him clutching a plush toy for comfort. About 2,000 to 3,000 visitors now flock daily, roughly 10 times the usual off-season volume.
- Abandoned by his mother at birth, the macaque became an internet sensation last month after videos showed him using a plush toy for comfort while being roughhoused by other monkeys. This plight spawned the dedicated fanbase #HangInTherePunch.
- In the hierarchical society of Japanese macaques, zoo official Takashi Yasunaga stated that higher-ranked individuals "discipline and scold" newcomers in behaviors "fundamentally different from abuse in human society." This defense addresses public welfare concerns.
- Foreign tourists now comprise "around a half" of zoo visitors, a local taxi driver observed, reshaping the typically quiet neighborhood. Eliete Ikeda, celebrating her 53rd birthday at the facility, called seeing Punch a "present" and described him as "kawaii."
- The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and groups in Europe have criticized Punch's enclosure conditions, citing animal welfare concerns. Yasunaga expressed hope the macaque will eventually "let go of his stuffed toy" and become a full-fledged troop member.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Punch, a baby macaque rejected by his mother, becomes a viral sensation in Japan, attracting thousands of tourists to the Ichikawa Zoo.
"Punch!", "Punch!" chant with enthusiasm dozens of visitors to see the macaque baby that has become a sensation on the internet and that every day...
Punch, the monkey abandoned by his mother as a social media star, has become a real attraction at the Japanese zoo in Ichikawa. Visitors from all over the world are curious to observe his progress.
The touching story of the viral baby macaque who conquered the world with his loneliness is getting a warmer sequel. Punch, long a symbol of abandonment, is now showing signs of a new chapter, of friendship, closeness and inclusion.
Daily Journal
Baby monkey Punch acclimatising, making new friends at Japan zoo
Clutching a monkey plushie, Eliete Ikeda screamed "Punch!" as she caught sight of the underdog baby macaque still drawing crowds of photo-hungry visitors to a Japanese zoo weeks after he shot to stardom.
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