Baby Macaque Punch Finds Comfort in Toy After Maternal Rejection at Japan Zoo

Punch, a baby Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, was abandoned by his first-time mother shortly after birth and found comfort in a stuffed orangutan toy provided by zookeepers. Viral videos showed Punch clutching the toy and facing bullying from older monkeys, drawing global attention and increasing zoo visitors. Recent updates indicate Punch is gradually making friends and integrating with the troop. Experts attribute maternal rejection to factors like inexperience and environmental stress, while the story has inspired social media campaigns and raised awareness about animal welfare.