Punch-kun has become the centre of a deeply moving viral story around the world after being abandoned by his mother and rejected by the troop. He was later seen constantly carrying an orangutan plush toy and holding it close as a substitute for a mother’s embrace.
There have, however, been clear signs of progress recently. Punch-kun has started to leave the plush toy behind more often and is beginning to approach other monkeys in the troop with greater confidence.
Most significantly, some female monkeys in the group have begun showing grooming behaviour towards him. Among Japanese macaques, grooming is one of the clearest signs of acceptance into the group and the beginning of lasting social bonds.
Although Punch-kun still clings to the plush toy at times, his growing confidence has led many to believe that he may soon develop into a strong and independent monkey who no longer relies on it for comfort.
AloJapan.com