Punch the monkey outgrowing his teddy, zoo officials reveal

The internet has been fawning over a little Japanese macaque, known as Punch the monkey, ever since videos of him started circling on social media earlier this year.

People across the globe soon became obsessed with the critter, who was rejected by his mother shortly after birth in July last year, after clips showed him being pushed around by other monkeys.

To help bring him some comfort and help adjust, keepers at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan gave Punch an orangutan teddy, which he's been seen clinging to as he settled into the troop last month.

Amidst all the hype around Punch, concerns over his well-being grew, with PETA even sharing a statement on the sad reality behind the situation, criticising what people have been calling 'cute', highlighting that the viral videos show a much more tragic reality, being an animal coping with 'isolation and loss'.

The zoo has assured Punch's fans, however, that its 'entire staff will put their utmost effort into ensuring that Punch can live a healthy and fulfilling life as a member of the troop and as a Japanese macaque'.

And it seems like that's proving true as zoo officials have now revealed that Punch is outgrowing his stuffed toy.

Videos have shown him using the teddy as a crutch far less, with Punch even starting to mix in and socialise more with other macaques.

One recent clip even showed him climbing on the back of another monkey, with other footage showing Punch hanging with adult macaques and sometimes getting groomed or hugged.

"Helping Punch learn the rules of monkey society and being accepted as a member is our most important task," explained Kosuke Kano, a 24-year-old zookeeper, via the Guardian.

Ichikawa Zoo Director, Shigekazu Mizushina, added: "When he grows out of the plush toy that encourages his independence, and that’s what we are hoping for."

Punch is still reportedly sleeping with the stuffed plushie every night, but Mizushina has stated that zookeepers are hoping that they will soon see the viral sensation sleeping huddled up with other monkeys instead.

The zoo shared a press release last month (27 February) where they issued a lengthy update 'regarding Punch's hand-rearing and the process up to now'.

It began: "We announced on our official X account that Punch began spending time in the monkey mountain on January 19th. We are thankful for the numerous heartwarming, supportive messages we have received so far.

"We have also received various messages and opinions from Japan as well as overseas concerning hand-rearing and reintroduction to the troop. To respond to these voices as much as possible, we will explain the process to date."

The zoo explained that, from an animal welfare perspective, their 'primary goal' is to reintegrate Punch with the troop.

"While Punch's own willingness is essential for his successful integration to the troop, we nursed Punch inside the monkey mountain enclosure, where all monkeys can freely access, so that all troop members can recognise Punch as part of the group," the statement outlined.

"Providing a stuffed toy and towels to hold onto not only simulates clinging to a mother but also prevents excessive dependence on humans. This approach is used for other artificially reared primates at our zoo, not just Japanese macaques."

In Punch's case, the zoo ensured that during feed times, two caretakers fully provided the physical contact and sense of security crucial for his growth.

"To acclimate Punch to the group as he grew, preparations were carefully put into place: from around three months of age, he spent time in an environment where he could freely interact with other monkeys through fences; after four months of age, he entered the monkey mountain enclosure with his caretakers and spent time there," the statement assured.