A zoo in Japan has issued a fresh statement defending its decision to give Punch, a young Japanese macaque, a stuffed toy after online criticism erupted over viral videos of him struggling to integrate with his troop. Punch, who lives at Ichikawa City Zoo, was rejected by his mother shortly after birth last July and has been hand-reared by keepers. As he began spending time in the “monkey mountain” enclosure in January, footage showed him being scolded and pushed away by other macaques, prompting concern from viewers worldwide. Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) argued that the clips reflect isolation rather than something heartwarming, urging that captivity limits natural development. Critics also questioned whether giving Punch a plush toy was appropriate.

In response, the zoo explained that the stuffed toy and towels are used to simulate maternal comfort while preventing overdependence on humans. Keepers said Punch was gradually introduced to the troop, first interacting through barriers and later spending supervised time inside the enclosure. According to the statement, brief scolding from adult macaques is part of normal social development, and no serious aggression has been observed. Staff emphasized that their priority is full reintegration, noting previous successful cases of hand-reared macaques joining troops and eventually raising offspring. They added that Punch continues to receive monitored care and that the goal remains helping him grow into a healthy, socially integrated member of the group.