Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese monkey abandoned at birth, is the focus of public interest in Japan after a video went viral showing him being dragged by an adult monkey. Weighing around two kilograms, Punch was rejected by his biological mother at birth, leading caretakers at the Ichikawa Zoo and Botanical Garden to take over his feeding and supervision. To aid his emotional development, they provided a stuffed animal for Punch to cling to for comfort and sleep.

The viral video raised concerns among social media users, as it depicted Punch being pulled along briefly by an adult monkey. In response to the growing worry, the zoo released a statement clarifying that the incident was part of an interaction attempt between Punch and another young monkey from the group, rather than an act of aggression or neglect.

The zoo's clarification is important not only for alleviating public concern but also for highlighting the careful measures taken by animal caretakers to ensure the welfare of Punch. This incident underscores the complexities of animal behavior in zoos and the importance of understanding such dynamics in the context of animal care and socialization within captive environments.