Life Can Be a Drag for Punch, Video Shows, But Zoo Says He's Not Being Bullied

Ichikawa Zoo has https://x.com/ichikawa_zoo/status/2031300130285277195/photo/2 assured the public that its most famous resident, Punch the monkey, has been experiencing some 'discipling actions' from his fellows, and is not being bullied. The zoo https://x.com/ichikawa_zoo/status/2031300130285277195/photo/2 said that Japanese macaques follow a 'strict hierarchical society, and dominant individuals show 'discipling actions' towards their subordinates. These behaviors differ from human 'abuses.'' This came as video from a zoo visitor showed one monkey dragging Punch by the foot, before it appeared another stepped in to protect him. 'These 'disciplining actions' do not occur incessantly,' the zoo statement continued. 'Punch spends most of the day peacefully. The number of monkeys who look after or play with Punch is also increasing. Because of this, the time Punch spends away from his stuffed toy has increased.' The zoo noted however that a few 'high-ranking macaques' had demonstrated aggressive behavior. These were removed from the troop as a temporary measure. This footage, captured by Wang Yuwei on March 6, shows Punch being grabbed. (Footage by Wang Yuwei/Storyful via Getty Images UGC)