Punch, the infant Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, has experienced a fresh setback in his integration into the troop after a confrontation with an adult member. Just days after the six-month-old orphan appeared to have been accepted into the group, new footage emerged showing the young monkey being disciplined.

The video, which began spreading across social media on 19 February 2026, shows an adult female macaque grabbing Punch and dragging him across the enclosure floor. The infant later retreated to astuffed toyplaced within the habitat, an object previously introduced by zoo staff.

While the footage sparked concerns among social media users, zoo officials have stated that such interactions are a necessary part of the infant's development. Punch, also known as Panchi-kun, was rejected by his biological mother at birth and has been hand-reared by keepers. His transition into the troop requires him to learn the complex social hierarchy of the macaques, often through physical correction from older members.

これ別角度…。振り回されたパンチくんはオラン母さんと岩陰に隠れて「痛いよー、怖いよー😢」 猿の世界にもいじめがある。やめてあげてよ…。#がんばれパンチ#ニホンザル#市川市動植物園pic.twitter.com/av8W239n5whttps://t.co/5WWDT9TYzY

Visitors captured videoof the encounter, which showed the adult monkey pulling Punch several metres before releasing him. To many observers, the scene appeared to be a significant rejection of the infant. Following the confrontation, a visibly distressed Punch was seen diving into the arms of his plush surrogate, a stuffed orangutan provided by zookeepers.

In anofficial statementreleased on 20 February 2026, the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden explained that the event was a case of social boundary-setting. According to the staff, Punch had attempted to interact with another infant in the troop. The other infant's mother likely misinterpreted Punch's social cues and reacted protectively to ensure he kept a respectful distance.

#市川市動植物園#市川ファン#がんばれパンチpic.twitter.com/lBZiKwYFOo

Zoo staff explained that macaque groups operate within strict hierarchies, where young members learn behavioural limits through physical intervention and correction.

Zookeepers have emphasised that Punch's reliance on his stuffed toy is a vital emotional safety net. The toy was part of a donation from IKEA Japan intended to provide comfort to the orphaned macaque during his transition. While he is becoming increasingly bold in his exploration, he still lacks the nuanced social language of a macaque raised naturally by its mother.

今日のパンチくん。他のお猿さんに抱きしめてもらったり毛繕いしてもらったりで愛情たっぷりで本当に良かったね😭がんばれパンチ！2026.2.20#がんばれパンチ#ニホンザル#市川市動植物園pic.twitter.com/LQse0fRJgR

Source: International Business Times UK