A small baby monkey in Japan has become the centre of attention online, and the reason is heartbreaking. The seven-month-old macaque, known as Punch-kan, went viral after videos showed him being rejected and attacked by his own mother at a zoo.
Punch-kan lives at Ichikawa City Zoo. In the viral clips, the baby monkey looks scared as his mother drags and even tries to harm him. In those moments, he is seen running towards a soft orange toy, shaped like an orangutan, and holding it tightly for comfort. This image has deeply moved people across social media.
Born in July, Punch-kan’s story quickly spread online. Many people said they felt emotional seeing such a small animal trying to calm himself in a stressful situation. The toy seems to have become his only source of comfort.
After the videos went viral, more clips appeared showing zoo staff taking care of him. In some of these, Punch-kan is still holding the toy while being fed, which shows how attached he has become to it.
There are also mixed updates about his condition. Some reports say he has started interacting with other monkeys, while others suggest that he is still being intimidated. A few viral videos even show an adult monkey hugging him, but many users have warned that some of these clips could be AI-generated and not fully real.
As the story gained attention, many people online demanded action from the zoo. Some urged the authorities to separate Punch-kan from his mother to keep him safe.
Many users also shared how deeply the story affected them. Some said they felt sad and overwhelmed after watching the videos, while others spoke about how the situation reflects loneliness and the need for care.
Experts say that such behaviour, where a mother rejects or harms her baby, can happen in animals like macaques. It may be due to stress, past experiences, or natural survival instincts.
Punch-kan’s story has not just raised concerns about animal welfare, but also started a larger conversation about empathy and care. For many people, his struggle is a reminder that the need for comfort and belonging is something every living being shares.
