Following the popularity of a baby monkey named Punch, Ichikawa City Zoo has shared information about the health and well-being of its Japanese macaque troop.
Punch, a macaque monkey, has gained a lot of popularity online. People love watching videos of him interacting with other monkeys and are following his life and how he grows up.
Despite the online jokes and popular videos, some people who follow Punch are concerned about how the monkeys are living and whether they’re being well cared for at the zoo.
On February 25th, Ichikawa Zoo responded to concerns about hair loss among its monkeys and the condition of their enclosure, known as “monkey mountain.”
Punch’s Zoo gives update on monkey welfare
The zoo has been very busy with visitors eager to see the new baby monkey, Punch. Many people have also been asking about the health of the Japanese macaques, so the zoo wants to share an update on their condition and future care.
The report noted that some of the monkeys in the group are experiencing noticeable hair loss.
The zoo reports the macaque is maintaining a healthy weight and eating normally under vet care, and doesn’t appear to be ill. Staff think the hair loss is likely caused by the monkeys grooming each other more often during the colder winter months when they stay close together for warmth.
This causes the animals to groom themselves more often, which unfortunately makes the hair loss worse, according to officials. Since June 2025, three staff members have been researching solutions, looking at successful approaches both in this country and abroad.
The zoo responded to concerns about the monkey enclosure, stating that animal well-being is their main focus and they are working to make the monkeys’ habitat better.
Punch, the monkey who recently became famous for being lonely, is now being accepted by the other monkeys in his group – they’re hugging and grooming him! Zoo keepers had given him a stuffed animal to keep him company while he was trying to make friends.
— TopMob (@TopMob) February 20, 2026
Ichikawa Zoo explained that four behind-the-scenes areas are always accessible to the monkeys but hidden from public view, and that Punch the monkey often uses them to get away from visitors. The zoo also mentioned that the monkeys, especially the younger ones, enjoy playing with the trees that were planted to make their habitat more interesting.
The zoo advised against any big changes to the monkey habitat right now, as Punch is still getting used to the group. They explained that a sudden, major change could stress the monkeys and potentially lead to Punch being harassed.
The facility will focus on safely helping Punch adjust while also working to continually improve conditions for everyone.
“We ask for your continued support of Punch and the other troop monkeys,” the statement concluded.
Follow Punch’s story in our article, where we’ll share all the newest updates on this baby monkey’s search for a home.
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2026-02-25 13:51