A baby monkey who drew attention online after being seen clinging to a stuffed orangutan toy has started integrating with other monkeys at a zoo in Japan.
Punch, a young Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, was rejected by his biological mother shortly after his birth in July last year. Zookeepers gave him a soft orangutan toy as a substitute for maternal comfort.
The toy, later nicknamed “Ora-mama”, became a constant presence, with videos showing Punch dragging it around and holding it closely.
Clips of the young macaque with the toy circulated widely on social media earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of support and the hashtag #KeepGoingPunch” as viewers followed his development.
Zoo officials have since reported that Punch has begun interacting more with members of his troop. His initial attempts to approach other monkeys were described as overwhelming, but caretakers observed gradual changes in his behaviour.
Recently, another monkey was seen grooming him, a key indicator of acceptance in primate groups. Grooming plays a central role in macaque social structures, signaling trust and group bonding.
Additional footage shared by the zoo showed Punch playing with younger monkeys and climbing onto their backs. In one instance, an older monkey was seen holding him, a gesture observers interpreted as a sign of social inclusion.
Shumpei Miyakoshi, a caretaker at the zoo, said Punch has become more proactive in engaging with others. “He’s actively engaging with other monkeys, and I can feel he’s growing up,” Miyakoshi said, adding that even when scolded, the young macaque quickly regains composure and continues interacting.