Viral baby monkey Punch gets ‘bodyguard’ after being bullied in Ichikawa Zoo
Photo: X
Punch, the baby monkey who went viral after footage showed him abandoned and later dragged by another monkey, was recently being followed by a “bodyguard” at his zoo following widespread online concern.
The young primate first drew global attention after being filmed clinging to an orangutan plush toy amid reports that he had been abandoned. Days later, a separate clip appeared to show Punch being dragged by another monkey inside the enclosure, prompting criticism and debate across social media platforms.
As previously reported, the zoo responded to the backlash, stating that Punch had “been scolded many times by other monkeys” but that “no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him”. Officials maintained that the behaviour reflected normal social dynamics as the infant adjusted to life within the troop.
On February 22, Insider Paper posted on X that “Little Punch monkey now has a bodyguard to protect him”, alongside footage showing the baby monkey seated against a rocky wall while a larger monkey remained positioned closely behind him.
JUST IN - Little Punch monkey now has a bodyguard to protect him pic.twitter.com/SK4aMb704X
The video spread rapidly, with many viewers interpreting the larger monkey’s presence as added protection in response to earlier incidents. However, animal behaviour specialists note that such positioning may form part of routine conspecific monitoring rather than a formal intervention by zoo management. In many primate groups, older or more dominant individuals observe younger members as they integrate socially.
Punch’s story continues to attract international attention. Companies including IKEA have previously donated plush toys to the zoo after viral coverage highlighted the baby monkey’s attachment to stuffed animals.