A baby monkey named Punch and his heartbreaking story have captivated people worldwide. The young macaque has gone viral after the zoo where he lives in Japan shared photos and videos of him clinging to a stuffed animal for comfort after his mother abandoned him.
However, the sentiment has recently shifted, with some zoo visitors and animal welfare experts raising concerns about the conditions he’s being kept in.
A San Diego woman who lives in Japan shared her views on the situation, saying she would not visit the baby macaque and sharing details about the overall state of animal welfare in Japanese zoos.
Why She Refuses To Visit Punch And Says Others Shouldn’t Either
In her clip, which has garnered over 5.8 million views, TikTok creator Beckylee (@beckyleeinoki) commented on the situation while ordering at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
“I’ve gotten so many comments like, ‘You live in Japan, go visit Punch… go check on him,’’’ she says. “I’m telling you now, I’m not visiting Punch.”
She says that while she was heartbroken by Punch’s story and wants the very best for him, she refuses to visit a Japanese zoo in general.
“I feel like this is something I didn’t realize until I moved here, is how abysmal and non-existent Japanese care of animals is,” she says. “And it’s very unfortunate.”
She says the habitat in the viral videos of Punch is “pathetic.”
“It’s so sad to look at,” she says. “I mean, he’s playing with a stuffed animal. That’s his entertainment and his fulfillment.”
She says the monkeys’ enclosure is lacking and calls it “a couple of rocks.”
“It’s just very sad,” she says.
Beckylee compares the footage with her experience in the San Diego Zoo. “I would go to the San Diego Zoo multiple times a week,” she says. “That is an example of a zoo that has very high standards, prides themselves in animal care, and unfortunately, Japan, across the board, does not have that.”
She says the video is a warning for people not to support Japan’s popular zoos and pet cafes, especially in the Tokyo area. “Do not visit them,” she says. “Ninety-nine point nine percent chance it’s gonna be very unethical. I know it’s a cute picture, but it’s just not worth it.”
She concludes by clarifying that there are many positives to life in Japan, but “this is one area that Japan just needs to do better.”
Commenters Couldn’t Agree More
Viewers in the comments section shared similar sentiments.
“HE LITERALLY RUNS AROUND ON CONCRETE HOLDING A STUFFED ANIMAL,” one commenter exclaims.
“I’ve been so confused why everyone’s been ignoring the fact that the zoo is obviously horrible,” another wrote.
“Japan is NOT known for humane animal handling,” a third commenter stated. “It’s bleak.”
“Great!” said a fourth user. “Now I feel even worse for Punch.”
Are Punch’s Conditions Actually Concerning?
Animal welfare organization Four Paws International shared a statement about Punch and his living conditions on Instagram, criticizing the “lack of green, shade and enrichment.”
Online publication Green Matters also pointed out that the zoo appears to lack enrichment features such as climbing structures or water elements like a pond. Additionally, it stated the increased attention and large crowds visiting Punch could be contributing to his stress and anxiety.
Viewers have also claimed to notice bald spots on Punch and alleged that other monkeys are bullying him.
The zoo where Punch lives, the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden, responded to several criticisms in a post on X, addressing the monkey’s apparent hair loss and his habitat.
The zoo said the monkey’s health is good following a veterinary check. It said his food intake and weight are normal and that the hair loss is due to excessive grooming.
Regarding the habitat, the zoo stated that the monkeys have access to four back rooms that are not visible to visitors, where they can retreat if needed. Additionally, it stated that the monkeys do have greenery not shown in viral videos.
“Many of the trees provided for environmental enrichment have become excellent play tools, especially for the young monkeys, including Punch,” the zoo wrote. “We are always seeking the best ways to improve the environment.”
@beckyleeinoki My thoughts on Punch the monkey 🫠 #punch #japantok #zoo #japantravel
BroBible has reached out to the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden via contact form and Beckylee via email for comment.