Baby monkey Punch beaten and thrown into a lake

At Japan's Ichikawa Zoo, the ongoing struggles of Punch, a baby monkey who has faced adversity since his first days of life, continue to draw backlash. Previously rejected by his mother and forced to live as an outcast, Punch quickly became both the zoo's mascot and a symbol of affection on social media by clinging to a plush toy. However, videos shared in recent days have revealed that Punch has yet to find peace.

Punch was pushed into the pond by an older monkey. pic.twitter.com/jq3S631tDa

— Telgraft (@telqraft) March 8, 2026

Footage shared on social media showing the moments Punch was subjected to violence by an older monkey in the troop and thrown into the pond has caused widespread repercussions. Zoo officials state that due to the bond with his mother being severed at a young age, Punch struggles to establish healthy relationships with other monkeys. It was also reported that Punch, who remains at the bottom of the troop's hierarchy, is occasionally ostracized and under threat.

Experts in animal behavior point out that primates raised without a mother become vulnerable to severe stress and life-threatening risks when they cannot adapt to troop life. Experts state that vulnerable primates like Punch should be kept in more controlled and safe conditions.

The latest images shared have led to an intense reaction from animal lovers. Thousands of people have launched campaigns for Punch to be removed from the zoo and moved to an appropriate rehabilitation center. However, while the Ichikawa Zoo management has not yet made any official statement regarding the events, the pressure from the public and animal rights advocates continues to grow.

News Source: 12punto