Punch the orphan macaque is outgrowing his plushie and making friends
NBC News • • world
Key Points:
- Punch, a baby orphan macaque at a zoo near Tokyo, is outgrowing the orangutan plushie that comforted him after being rejected by his mother and other monkeys.
- Initially dependent on the toy for comfort, Punch has started interacting more with other monkeys, climbing on them, sitting with adults, and receiving grooming and hugs.
- Zookeepers used the plush toy to help Punch develop clinging skills essential for survival and are now focused on integrating him fully into monkey society.
- The zoo implemented visitor rules like limiting viewing time and requiring quiet to reduce stress on Punch and over 50 other monkeys, due to Punch's sudden popularity online.
- While Punch still sleeps with the toy, zoo staff hope he
