Experts Warn Of Possible Tragic Outcome For Punch The Monkey As Enclosure Mates Keep Rejecting Him

Many people have followed the emotional story of Punch, the young macaque who carries around an orangutan plush toy after his mother rejected him. Now, experts have shared concerns about what could happen if the other monkeys in his enclosure continue to push him away.

In recent weeks, the seven-month-old Japanese macaque has drawn global attention at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture.

Punch had a difficult start to life when his mother abandoned him. To offer comfort, zookeepers gave him a soft orangutan toy, which he now holds closely. Observers have also noticed that some of the other macaques appear to bully him, which has added to public concern.

Fans around the world felt hopeful when another macaque was seen grooming and comforting Punch, suggesting he might be forming a bond within the group. However, that moment of connection did not seem to last.

With social rejection continuing, scientists have begun discussing what the long-term impact could be if Punch remains isolated from the troop.

Dr. Emily Bethell, Associate Professor in Primate Cognition and Welfare at Liverpool John Moores University, explained that Punch is likely being closely monitored while staff decide the best course of action.

Punch the monkey has broken the Internet's hearts with his sad story. JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty Images

"I expect Punch will be under careful observation by the keepers, and it sounds like they are trying various approaches to find a way to keep Punch in the group, which is best practice," Dr. Bethell told the Daily Mail.

"If it looks like he is at risk of physical harm he would be removed from the group. As macaques are highly social intelligent primates this would be the last resort, only if he were deemed to be at risk of physical harm."

Dr. Bethell noted that while a physical attack would be serious, long-term isolation could be even more damaging. Without proper social interaction, Punch could miss important opportunities to learn the social behaviors he needs to function within macaque society.

"Having been abandoned by his mother and the social group more broadly he has missed key developmental opportunities to learn appropriate social behaviors that would help him to navigate the hierarchical social world of macaques," Dr. Bethell explained.

"At 6 months old a wild macaque would still be somewhat reliant on the mother for comfort, nutrition and opportunities to learn about social behavior."

Punch might have better luck in another social group as he grows older as male macaques are known for leaving the troop once they hit sexual maturity. JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty Images

There may, however, be some hope linked to the fact that Punch is male. As he grows older, he may naturally leave his current group and join another, which could give him a fresh start.

"Japanese macaques are female–bonded and males typically migrate out of the social group at sexual maturity," Dr. Bethell said.

"There is evidence that mothers may invest more in raising daughters since they will stay in the natal group," she added.

"He may therefore be moved to a new social group when he gets older and have an opportunity to forge new social relationships."

For now, many people continue to hope that Punch will eventually find stability and acceptance within a social group where he can thrive.