Punch the Monkey zookeepers issue 'bullying' update after safety concerns raised by visitors

The zookeepers responsible for the wellbeing of Punch the Monkey have provided an update on his welfare after concerns were raised by visitors.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past week, then you'll no doubt have heard about Punch and his orangutan plush.

The monkey was rejected by his mother after he was born in July last year, and found comfort in his teddy bear during tough times.

The Japanese macaque has been living with a monkey troop since last month, and a clip of Punch being 'bullied' by the other monkeys left much of the internet sobbing at what such a tough start to life the animal has endured.

Zookeepers assured the public that 'although Punch has been scolded many times by other monkeys, no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him'.

Nonetheless, concerns have been raised surrounding 'the health conditions of the Japanese macaques and the environment of the facility', with people noting that some monkeys have suffered hair loss since being at the facility.

Punch went viral alongside his plush toy earlier this month (JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)

Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden, where Punch and many other monkeys are being held, have since issued a statement on X.

A spokesperson said: "A lot of visitors are currently coming to the zoo to see baby monkey, Punch. Many of them ask us about the health of the Japanese macaques, and we would like to explain their current condition and our plans. A few macaques in the troop exhibit significant hair loss, or alopecia."

The zoo went on to say the 'amount of food they receive and their weight are appropriate according to a veterinarian's diagnosis, and no clear sickness is evident'.

"We believe the main cause is excessive grooming habits. To improve this issue and promote healthy group life, three staff members have been working together since June 2025 to develop approaches and conduct testing," the statement continued.

"Animal welfare is the top priority in the current environment, and we are doing our best to improve the monkeys' living conditions.

Punch the Monkey has had a tricky start to life (JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)

"Four rooms are always open at the back, which is invisible to visitors, and Punch also uses this space to hide.

"Also, many of the trees provided for environmental enrichment have become excellent play tools, especially for the young monkeys, including Punch. We are always seeking the best ways to imrpove the environment. However, Punch is currently trying to integrate with the troop."

Making a 'radical change' to the monkey mountain environment could unsettle some of its inhabitants and 'may lead to Punch being bullied', the zoo went on to say.

The statement concluded with: "For this reason, we would like to prioritize Punch becoming a member of the troop safely while improving the monkeys' health conditions as much as possible."