Punch, a young macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, faced rejection shortly after birth. He was born in July last year, yet his mother abandoned him soon afterward. Consequently, zoo staff intervened immediately to safeguard his health and emotional wellbeing. Soon after, keepers introduced a stuffed orangutan named Ora-mama for comfort.
Viral Videos Capture Tender Moments
Recently, visitors recorded videos showing Punch cuddling the plush companion tenderly. In several clips, he sits atop the toy and sucks his thumb calmly. Then, he leans forward and hugs the stuffed orangutan tightly for reassurance. Moreover, he carries Ora-mama across the enclosure he shares with other macaques. He rarely releases the toy, even while resting or observing surroundings.
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Zoo keeper Kosuke Shikano explained that maternal rejection sometimes occurs under specific circumstances. He suggested that the burden of a first birth may have affected Punch’s mother. In the monkey mountain troop, other females sometimes assist with newborn care. However, staff observed no such supportive behavior on Punch’s birth day. Therefore, keepers separated him temporarily and began feeding him milk by hand.
Soft Fur Offered Security and Familiarity
Infant macaques instinctively cling to their mothers immediately after birth for comfort. Consequently, staff provided blankets and soft toys to replicate maternal contact. Shikano noted that the stuffed animal’s fur texture allowed Punch to grip easily. Furthermore, its monkey-like appearance likely offered familiarity and emotional reassurance. As a result, Punch formed a visible attachment to Ora-mama quickly.
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Another keeper, Shumpei Miyakoshi, shared encouraging updates about Punch’s progress. He stated that Punch now interacts actively with a small group of macaques. Moreover, he engages playfully and confidently inside the enclosure environment. Miyakoshi expressed optimism, saying he senses steady growth in Punch daily. Therefore, staff continue supervised integration while ensuring his emotional stability.
Social Media Responds with Warm Support
Meanwhile, the zoo confirmed Punch’s story through an official social media statement. It mentioned that a young monkey currently carries a stuffed toy inside the enclosure. Consequently, visitors and online users responded with supportive messages and admiration. Many observers praised the zoo’s compassionate and attentive rehabilitation approach publicly.
Punch’s journey highlights how simple interventions can ease early emotional distress effectively. Although maternal rejection created hardship initially, steady care reshaped his path. Now, as he gradually adjusts to troop life, Ora-mama remains nearby. Ultimately, Punch’s resilience continues inspiring viewers who celebrate his touching bond.
