This photo taken on February 19, 2026 shows a seven month-old male macaque monkey named Punch, who was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, sitting with a stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture
Credit: JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty
The zoo home of viral baby monkey Punch is responding to public concern about the health of its Japanese macaques, which includes Punch, and the environment where the internet-famous primate lives.
In a statement posted Feb. 25 on X, the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Japan addressed questions from visitors who have flocked to see Punch, whose full name is Punch-kun, in recent weeks. “A lot of visitors are currently coming to the zoo to see baby monkey, Punch,” the statement began, noting that many have asked about the health of Punch and his fellow macaques.
Born in July and abandoned soon afterward, Punch-kun with his stuffed orangutan
Credit: @ichikawa_zoo/X
The update comes after some guests observed noticeable hair loss among several macaques in the troop. According to the zoo, veterinarians have confirmed that the monkeys’ food intake and weight are appropriate and that “no clear sickness is evident.” The staff believes the hair loss is primarily caused by excessive grooming — a behavior that increases during colder months when macaques huddle together for warmth.
According to the statement, three staff members have been working since June 2025 to test ways to address the issue, adding that it will continue to reference both domestic and international case studies to improve conditions. The zoo also addressed criticism of the “monkey mountain” habitat, saying “animal welfare is the top priority.”
Officials noted that four back rooms (not visible to visitors) remain open at all times and that Punch uses those spaces as a retreat. “Many of the trees provided for environmental enrichment have become excellent play tools, especially for the young monkeys, including Punch,” stated the zoo. “We are always seeking the best ways to improve the environment.”
However, the zoo said it must balance environmental changes with Punch’s social development. The baby macaque is still integrating into the troop, and “making a radical change” to the habitat could disrupt group dynamics or lead to further bullying. For now, the zoo’s staff said they are prioritizing Punch’s safe acceptance into the group while continuing to evaluate improvements.
Seven-month-old Punch, who was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, spending time with a stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Credit: JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty
Punch, who was abandoned by his mother after his birth in July 2025, was raised by zoo caretakers during his first few months of life. The tiny macaque was given an orangutan stuffed animal to keep him company, which became a close companion to the monkey when he later joined the other macaques at the zoo and struggled to make friends.
Clips of Punch cuddling with his plush companion and making inroads with the other macaques have propelled the animal to viral stardom and have led to an increase in foot traffic at the baby monkey’s zoo.
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With visitor numbers climbing, the zoo is asking for continued support “of Punch and the other troop monkeys” as it works to address health concerns and ensure the well-being of the entire group.
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AloJapan.com