Monkey, are you okay? Stop panicking over Punch, the zoo says he’s just learning the rules

WEB DESK: A seven-month-old macaque at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo, has become an online sensation for clinging to his plush orangutan after being abandoned by his mother. But this week, a video clip showing him being dragged across the enclosure by another monkey ignited a wave of panic online, with viewers accusing the zoo of negligence and calling the other monkeys “bullies.” It was reported that the video quickly went viral on social media, stoking concern for Punch’s wellbeing. Fans flooded X with messages demanding answers, fearing the little macaque was being harmed.

What really happened

The zoo quickly addressed the incident, explaining that Punch’s encounter was not cruelty but a lesson in social boundaries. According to Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Punch approached another baby monkey who was uninterested in playing. An adult monkey, likely the baby’s mother, then intervened, gently dragging Punch away. “She probably felt that her baby was annoyed by Punch and got upset,” the zoo said in a statement, describing the interaction as discipline rather than aggression. Punch was unharmed and soon returned to his stuffed toy before resuming social play with the troop.

Why online fans saw something different

The emotional response to Punch is understandable. Fans have followed his story since he was abandoned, projecting feelings of vulnerability and resilience onto him. Any perceived setback feels personal, which makes viral animal moments especially potent — and volatile. But the zoo emphasizes that what looks harsh to human eyes is just part of Punch learning to navigate monkey society. He missed critical early bonding because he was hand-raised, and these small rejections help him understand social cues, limits, and communication within the troop.

A hopeful outlook for Punch

Recent videos show Punch moving freely among the other monkeys, being groomed, and gradually integrating into his group. He still carries his stuffed toy for comfort but doesn’t rely on it constantly. The zoo asks fans to cheer for his progress rather than worry, framing his journey as one of growth and resilience. Punch may be tiny, but his story has already taught the internet a big lesson: not every harsh moment is cruelty, sometimes, it’s just a monkey learning to be a monkey.