PETA: Stop Sharing Viral “Punch the Monkey” Videos

A baby Japanese macaque monkey named Punch, who went viral for clinging to a stuffed orangutan after being abandoned by his mother, is at the center of a debate about the ethics of keeping animals in zoos. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is urging the public to stop sharing videos of the monkey and to avoid visiting the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan.

PETA Sounds the Alarm

PETA is calling for Punch to be transferred to a reputable sanctuary where he can live in a more natural environment. “There’s nothing heartwarming about a baby growing up behind bars,” said PETA Asia President Jason Baker. “Zoos are not sanctuaries — they are places where animals are confined, deprived of autonomy, and denied the complex environments and social lives they would have in the wild.”

Baker added that Punch’s behavior – seeking comfort in a stuffed toy – is “a glimpse into the trauma of a young, highly social primate coping with isolation and loss.” He compared Punch’s situation to that of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo who also gained viral fame while in captivity.

Celebrity Interest and Online Fame

Despite PETA’s concerns, Punch continues to attract significant online attention. He even appeared on the White House’s official X page as part of a “State of the Union 2026 Bingo” card. British-American influencer Tristan Tate also expressed interest in purchasing Punch for $250,000, but such a sale is prohibited by animal welfare and wildlife trade laws.

A High-Stress Start

Experts suggest Punch’s mother may have rejected him due to her inexperience as a first-time mother and the stress of a heatwave during his birth. Alison Behie, a primatology expert at Australian National University, explained that mothers may prioritize their own health and future reproduction when faced with challenging environmental conditions.

Last weekend, approximately 8,000 tickets were sold for the Ichikawa City Zoo, more than double the typical weekend attendance.