Overview
- An official March 10 statement from Ichikawa City Zoo said videos of older monkeys scolding Punch reflect species-typical hierarchical disciplining rather than bullying.
- The zoo temporarily removed a few high‑ranking macaques on March 8 after noting more frequent aggression toward Punch and reported no attacks threatening his survival.
- Keepers report incremental progress in Punch’s social reintegration, citing grooming, piggybacking and reduced reliance on his IKEA orangutan plush.
- Zookeeper Shunpei Miyakoshi said Punch now communicates more with other monkeys and mainly clutches the plush when sleeping, relaxing or after being scolded.
- Animal-rights group PETA continues to urge relocation to a sanctuary, while the zoo cautions that separating Punch now could jeopardize his long-term return to the troop.