A Japanese zoo reassured the public that 6-month-old orphaned macaque monkey Punch-kun is safe and sound after a video of him being dragged by another monkey went viral. The zoo explained this is normal social behavior and part of Punch's learning process.
FILE - A macaque monkey looks on at Qianling Park on May 29, 2017 in Guiyang, China. A zoo in Japan assured the public that an adorable 6monthold monkey named Punch-kun is OK after video went viral of him apparently being dragged by another monkey.
The footage circulating on social media shows Punch, an orphaned Japanese macaque, running away from the monkey and retrieving to a corner at the"We have confirmed that several videos have gone viral on the internet. When Punch approached another baby monkey from the troop in attempt to communicate, the baby monkey avoided him. Punch then sat down, apparently giving up on communicating with the monkey, after which he was scolded and dragged by an adult monkey," The zookeepers explained that the behavior is a normal form of discipline within macaque social groups. They added that Punch is still young and learning how to socialize. Punch, who was born on July 26, 2025 and abandoned by his mother at birth, has been living with the troop since January 19. "The monkey that dragged Punch is probably the mother of the monkey with whom Punch tried to communicate. She probably felt that her baby was annoyed by Punch and got upset, expressing 'don't be mean,'" the statement noted. "Punch has been scolded by other monkeys many times in the past and has learned how to socialize with them." While the zoo said he seeks comfort from the orangutan plushie, the behavior is typical for a monkey his age. “In the video, Punch runs to his stuffed orangutan toy after being dragged. However, as usual, he left the stuffed toy after a short while and was communicating with other monkeys," the zoo said, adding that they believe the footage was recorded on Thursday morning.“In order to integrate Punch into other Japanese monkey troops, we anticipated that this kind of challenge may arise,” the zoo said. "Although Punch has been scolded many times by other monkeys, no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him. While Plush is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength. When you observe the disciplinary behaviors from other troop members toward Punch when he tries to communicate with them, we would like you to support Punch's effort rather than feel sorry for him."Woman who died falling off passenger seat of motorcycle identified SAN ANTONIO - A woman who died after falling off the back of a morotcycle on Thursday has been identified.Two arrested after double-murder outside Myst Hookah Lounge SAN ANTONIO - Two people who allegedly shot and killed two men outside Myst Hookah Lounge on Wednesday have been arrested.Joseph Anthony Amador, 34, and LaurenSAN ANTONIO - A child exchange turned violent when an argument between a mother and father escalated into an assault and stabbing, leaving the father injured an
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