Overview
- New visitor videos from March 16–17 show Punch sitting closely with a female macaque known as Momo-chan/Moe, with clips of cuddling and an apparent kiss that fans have dubbed a “girlfriend” moment.
- Ichikawa City Zoo says Punch is increasingly groomed and played with by troop members and is spending more time away from his orangutan plush, describing rough clips as species-typical disciplinary behavior rather than serious aggression.
- The Ichikawa municipal government published a bilingual “#GanbarePunch Supporters Guide” detailing legitimate donation options, including domestic and international bank transfers and official LINE stickers, to combat scams and unauthorized merchandise.
- Officials say donations will be directed to improve the zoo’s aging monkey enclosure and other facilities, responding to a surge of global interest tied to Punch’s viral fame.
- City figures show annual visitors surpassed 300,000 for the first time, while media reports differ on practical donation methods, with one outlet citing cash-only website donations through May 31, 2026, contrary to the city’s bank-transfer guidance.