Overview
- Ichikawa City Zoo says Punch was groomed by two macaques and is steadily integrating, though he still clings to his stuffed orangutan surrogate.
- After a clip of an adult dragging Punch drew alarm, primatologists and the zoo described the behavior as normal disciplinary interaction within macaque hierarchies.
- IKEA reports unprecedented demand for the Djungelskog orangutan plush, with stockouts in Japan and the United States and resale listings reaching roughly $355.
- The zoo recorded lines of up to an hour and more than 5,000 visitors on Monday and has created a restricted zone near the enclosure to reduce animal stress.
- PETA criticized Punch’s captivity as harmful and urged his transfer to a reputable sanctuary, contrasting with experts’ guidance to allow natural troop social processes.