Read our Privacy noticeThe Japanese zoo housing Punch, the baby monkey turned viral internet sensation, insists that he is not being bullied after concerns were raised online. Afterwards, in February, the zoo said that Punch “had been scolded many times by other monkeys” but none had “shown serious aggression towards him”. The zoo added that Punch was spending “most of the day peacefully” and the “disciplining actions” against him did not occur incessantly. “At this time, there has been no evidence that Punch has been attacked in a way that would threaten his survival. Animal rights group PETA previously criticised the treatment of Punch, arguing that it was evidence of “the cruelty of zoos”.

Source: Punch March 12, 2026 11:04 UTC