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Abandoned Baby Macaque Finds Friendship, Sparks Zoo Buzz

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Punch, a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has become a social media sensation for his bond with a stuffed orangutan after being abandoned.
Zookeeper Kosuke Shikano says he hopes Punch will join the monkey troop, but the path remains challenging as he adapts.
The zoo's director Takashi Yasunaga welcomed the increased visitor interest and says the story could deepen public connection, echoing Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo.

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Story summary

Punch, a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has become a social media sensation for his bond with a stuffed orangutan after being abandoned.
Zookeeper Kosuke Shikano says he hopes Punch will join the monkey troop, but the path remains challenging as he adapts.
The zoo's director Takashi Yasunaga welcomed the increased visitor interest and says the story could deepen public connection, echoing Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo.