Viral Orphaned Macaque Faces Setback in Group Reintegration at Ichikawa Zoo

Overview

• Punch, born in July 2025 and abandoned soon after, has been hand‑reared at Ichikawa Zoo in Chiba, Japan.
• Caretakers gave him a large stuffed orangutan to ease anxiety, and viral images drew long visitor lines and a Feb. 15 public thank‑you from the zoo.
• On Feb. 16, an older macaque was filmed embracing Punch, which was reported as a sign of social acceptance.
• A Feb. 20 report says he was attacked again during a later approach to the group, reflecting strict social hierarchies and challenges for human‑reared juveniles.
• Zoo staff continue staged introductions while Punch relies on the comfort object for security.