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Punch the Monkey

What happened

Punch was abandoned at birth and hand-raised at Ichikawa City Zoo. Keepers gave him an IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush, later called Oran-Mama. A 5 February 2026 zoo post and later clips of troop scolding went global. The zoo said this was socialization, not serious aggression.

How it unfolded

  1. Born at Ichikawa City Zoo. Named after mangaka Monkey Punch.
  2. Integrated at Monkey Mountain.
  3. Zoo backstory post goes overnight.
  4. Drag clip spreads. Zoo issues a statement.
  5. Keepers say he clings to the plush less and contacts adult monkeys more.
  6. Two men arrested after a crypto stunt in the enclosure. Punch unharmed.
  7. Viewing area closes for improvements through 18 September, sparking death rumors.

Current status

Alive. Monkey Mountain viewing was closed 1-18 September 2026 for shade work, which started false death rumors. The zoo did not report him dead or seriously ill.

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