{"id":9436,"date":"2026-02-26T12:20:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/?p=9436"},"modified":"2026-02-26T12:20:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T12:20:03","slug":"punch-dragged-by-his-troop-in-1-2-million-view-clip-cruel-bullying-or-a-truth-that-changes-everything-ichikawa-zoo-speaks-out-amid-public-outrage-just-a-few-seconds-of-foo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/?p=9436","title":{"rendered":"Punch \u201cDragged\u201d by His Troop in 1.2 Million-View Clip \u2014 Cruel Bullying or a Truth That Changes Everything? Ichikawa Zoo Speaks Out Amid Public Outrage Just a few seconds of footage showing orphaned baby monkey Punch being pulled by an adult macaque was enough to send social media into a frenzy. Countless comments claimed he was being attacked, even ostracized by the troop. But what really happened before and after that moment? And why did Punch respond in a way that many viewers didn\u2019t expect? Amid the storm of backlash, Ichikawa Zoo released an official explanation: the behavior was completely normal for macaques \u2014 and the truth behind it may be very different from what people assumed. The zoo\u2019s message is clear: don\u2019t just feel sorry for Punch \u2014 cheer for his resilience. \ud83d\udc99 Watch the full clip and the zoo\u2019s official statement below."},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"people-article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp people-article-header mntl-article-header\">\n<h2 class=\"article-heading text-headline-400\">Japanese Zoo Responds After Viral Clip Shows Orphaned Baby Monkey Punch Being Dragged by Troop<\/h2>\n<p class=\"article-subheading text-utility-300\">Ichikawa City Zoo is speaking out after concerned fans spotted the monkey being \u2018attacked\u2019 by his peers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__primary-video-container_1-0\" class=\"comp article__primary-video-container mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"article__primary-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"jwplayer jw-reset jw-state-playing jw-stretch-uniform jw-flag-aspect-mode jw-skin-mantle jw-breakpoint-1 jw-floating-dismissible jw-keep-thumbnail jw-flag-user-inactive jw-flag-floating jw-flag-small-player\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"application\" aria-label=\"Video Player - Japanese Zoo Reassures Fans After Viral Clip Shows Baby Monkey Punch Being Dragged by Troop\" aria-describedby=\"jw-article__primary-video-jw_1-0-shortcuts-tooltip-explanation\">\n<div class=\"jw-wrapper jw-reset\">\n<div class=\"jw-controls jw-reset\">\n<div class=\"jw-controlbar jw-reset\">\n<div class=\"jw-reset jw-button-container\">\n<div class=\"jw-icon jw-icon-inline jw-button-color jw-reset jw-icon-fullscreen\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Fullscreen\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1913399775975067%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=380&amp;t=0\" width=\"380\" height=\"476\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-origwidth=\"380\" data-origheight=\"476\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-content_1-0\" class=\"comp article-content mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"90\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"24\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"4\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1550, 1950, 2350, 2750, 3150, 3550, 3950]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block people-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-universal-callout theme-needtoknow\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h3 class=\"mntl-sc-block-universal-callout__heading\">NEED TO KNOW<\/h3>\n<div class=\"mntl-sc-block-universal-callout__body\">\n<ul>\n<li>A viral video showing orphaned baby monkey Punch being dragged by adult macaques sparked concern online<\/li>\n<li>Ichikawa City Zoo said the incident was a typical disciplinary interaction during troop integration<\/li>\n<li>Caretakers emphasized Punch remains resilient and continues socializing with other monkeys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">A beloved baby monkey who captured hearts worldwide for clinging to a stuffed toy is back in the spotlight \u2014 this time after a viral clip showed him being pulled by members of his troop.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Punch-kun, the orphaned Japanese macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Japan, recently appeared in a widely shared\u00a0video\u00a0posted on X that showed an adult monkey dragging him across the ground. The clip, which has garnered more than 1.2 million views, prompted concern among fans who have followed Punch\u2019s journey since he went viral last year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-4\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">After the footage circulated online, the zoo issued a detailed statement on Feb. 20 explaining what caretakers say actually occurred \u2014 and reassuring viewers about Punch\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-5\"><\/div>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block people-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image--no-theme no-theme figure-landscape figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" class=\"mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image lazyloadwait lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/1ERD_S8WrFKBhd_KeGeHhIF0Za0=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(735x428:737x430):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-2-697e10bb39f7455db86559fcf914fbf2.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, 4000px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/1ERD_S8WrFKBhd_KeGeHhIF0Za0=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(735x428:737x430):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-2-697e10bb39f7455db86559fcf914fbf2.jpg 4000w\" alt=\"This photo taken on February 19, 2026 shows a 7 month-old male macaque monkey named Punch, who was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, spending time with a stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture.\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" data-src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/1ERD_S8WrFKBhd_KeGeHhIF0Za0=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(735x428:737x430):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-2-697e10bb39f7455db86559fcf914fbf2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/1ERD_S8WrFKBhd_KeGeHhIF0Za0=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(735x428:737x430):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-2-697e10bb39f7455db86559fcf914fbf2.jpg 4000w\" data-sizes=\"4000px\" data-expand=\"300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-img-lightbox-variant=\"\" data-tracking-container=\"true\" data-img-lightbox=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-text\">Punch.\u00a0<\/span>JIJI PRESS \/ AFP via Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">According to zookeepers, the moment began when Punch approached another infant monkey in an attempt to interact. When the baby avoided him, Punch sat down nearby. An adult female \u2014 believed to be the other infant\u2019s mother \u2014 then intervened.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\u201cThe adult monkey that dragged Punch is probably the mother of the monkey with whom Punch tried to communicate,\u201d the zoo said in its\u00a0statement. \u201cShe probably felt that her baby was annoyed by Punch and got upset.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Caretakers described the behavior as a normal form of discipline within macaque social groups, noting that Punch has experienced similar corrections before, as he learns to navigate troop dynamics.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\u201cPunch has been scolded by other monkeys many times in the past and has learned how to socialize with them,\u201d the zoo said. \u201cAlthough Punch has been scolded many times by other monkeys, no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">The now-viral video also shows Punch running to his stuffed orangutan toy immediately after the interaction \u2014 an object he famously bonded with while struggling to integrate socially after being abandoned by his mother at birth in July 2025. But caretakers said that moment, too, fits his typical behavior.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\u201cIn the video, Punch runs to his stuffed orangutan toy after being dragged,\u201d the zoo said. \u201cHowever, as usual, he left the stuffed toy after a short while and was communicating with other monkeys.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Staff added that Punch\u2019s behavior later in the day appeared completely normal, including during scheduled feedings. \u201cDuring feeding time at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., Punch acted no differently than on any other day,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">While some viewers interpreted the clip as bullying, the zoo said that challenges like these were expected as part of integrating an orphaned macaque into an established troop \u2014 a process that can take time and social correction from other members.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\u201cIn order to integrate Punch into other Japanese monkey troops, we anticipated that this kind of challenge may arise,\u201d the zoo said.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block people-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image--no-theme no-theme figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" class=\"mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image lazyloadwait lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/L6a8IvqdsnuMk82WVvdtEL7E2GY=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(574x0:576x2):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-3-95ded4b1d2194c6ab9eb8167a9754c3a.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, 4000px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/L6a8IvqdsnuMk82WVvdtEL7E2GY=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(574x0:576x2):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-3-95ded4b1d2194c6ab9eb8167a9754c3a.jpg 4000w\" alt=\"This photo taken on February 19, 2026 shows a 7 month-old male macaque monkey named Punch, who was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, sitting with a stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture.\" width=\"1150\" height=\"1500\" data-src=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/L6a8IvqdsnuMk82WVvdtEL7E2GY=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(574x0:576x2):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-3-95ded4b1d2194c6ab9eb8167a9754c3a.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/L6a8IvqdsnuMk82WVvdtEL7E2GY=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(574x0:576x2):format(webp)\/punch-the-monkey-022026-3-95ded4b1d2194c6ab9eb8167a9754c3a.jpg 4000w\" data-sizes=\"4000px\" data-expand=\"300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-img-lightbox-variant=\"\" data-tracking-container=\"true\" data-img-lightbox=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-text\">Punch.\u00a0<\/span>JIJI PRESS \/ AFP via Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">Caretakers also highlighted what they described as Punch\u2019s resilience, encouraging supporters to view the moment as part of his development rather than a setback.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\u201cWhile Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength,\u201d the zoo said. \u201cWhen you observe these disciplinary behaviors \u2026 we would like you to support Punch\u2019s effort rather than feel sorry for him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">The update comes months after Punch first went viral for carrying his stuffed companion throughout the enclosure \u2014 a coping behavior introduced by keepers when he struggled to bond with other monkeys. Since then, the zoo has shared periodic updates showing gradual progress in his socialization.<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">For fans worried by the recent footage, caretakers\u2019 message was clear: Punch is still learning, still connecting \u2014 and still moving forward, one interaction at a time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japanese Zoo Responds After Viral Clip Shows Orphaned Baby Monkey Punch Being Dragged by Troop Ichikawa City Zoo is speaking out after concerned fans spotted the monkey&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9437,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9436"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9436\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9438,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9436\/revisions\/9438"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}