• Japanese zoo denies baby monkey “Punch” is being bullied
• Punch relies less on his toy and spends most of his time peacefully

A zoo in Japan has issued a statement denying that a baby monkey is being bullied, following widespread online concern over his treatment.

The monkey, named Punch, is seven months old. Abandoned by his mother at birth, he became an internet sensation after clinging to a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort at Ichikawa City Zoo, just outside Tokyo.

Last month, the zoo posted on X that Punch "had been disciplined several times by other monkeys," which led to videos circulating online showing him being chased by members of his troop. This sparked claims that he was being bullied.

In a statement Tuesday, the zoo said, “We have received many messages of concern from both inside Japan and abroad.” It added that Punch is now less dependent on his stuffed orangutan, as more monkeys in the troop look after him or play with him.

The zoo explained, “While dominant monkeys may discipline those lower in rank, as macaques naturally do, these actions in macaque society are different from human abuse.” It added, “Punch spends most of his time peacefully.”

The zoo also warned that “Punch has become accustomed to living with this group. Separating him now could prevent him from returning and force him to live alone for the rest of his life.”

Born in July and raised in an artificial environment after his mother abandoned him, Punch began training earlier this year to reintegrate with his troop.

Punch’s story has drawn huge online attention, creating a devoted fanbase under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch. Visitors flocked to the zoo, and sales of his stuffed orangutan toy soared.

However, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said Punch’s situation highlights the cruelty of zoos and called for his relocation to a “reputable sanctuary, where he could live in a more natural environment.”