Primatologists analyze the obscure knowledge behind the viral online sensation Punch the Monkey

In Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, a Japanese macaque named Punch has captured the world’s social media with a bittersweet story. The little monkey was abandoned by its mother shortly after birth and has spent every day clutching a plush brown toy for comfort. This touching scene, which tugs at the heartstrings, also sparks warm feelings due to the monkey’s longing for maternal love. It has not only garnered widespread sympathy online but also prompted in-depth discussions about primate behavior and psychology.

Why would a mother monkey abandon her own offspring?

Behind Punch’s story lies lesser-known primate knowledge. Brogan Stewart, a PhD candidate at Concordia University specializing in Japanese macaque research, explains to the media that there are survival truths hidden behind this seemingly adorable story. In Japanese macaque society, mothers are typically known for their nurturing and attentive nature, maintaining very close bonds with their infants. The average nursing period can last up to two years. Cases like Punch being abandoned are actually extremely rare.

According to Stewart’s analysis, Punch’s situation may stem from his mother being an inexperienced first-time mother, or possibly from her being from a lower social class. Punch is her first child, and in primate societies, maternal instinct is not entirely innate but learned through observing other females caring for their young. Stewart suggests Punch’s mother might belong to the lower tier of Japanese macaque society, having not learned proper caregiving from other lower-ranking females. If she lacked sufficient exposure to nurturing situations during her development, she might have felt helpless when caring for her own offspring, ultimately leading to abandonment.

Plush toy as a surrogate mother and protector

Punch clutching his plush brown toy carries profound psychological and primatological significance. For young monkeys, warmth and soft textures are essential for building a sense of security. The toy acts as a “substitute mother,” alleviating Punch’s early psychological anxiety. However, this is only a transitional phase. Eventually, Punch must learn to survive within the social hierarchy of the monkey troop.

Many visitors feel distressed when they see Punch being attacked or chased by other monkeys. But from an expert’s perspective, these behaviors are part of normal social communication among Japanese macaques. Stewart points out that their social norms are highly hierarchical, and aggression is a common way of communicating status. As long as these interactions do not result in serious open wounds or heavy bleeding, moderate fighting is a necessary part of Punch learning social rules.

The social hierarchy of Japanese macaques is passed down through generations

The social status of Japanese macaques is inherited. Generally, the higher a mother’s rank, the higher her offspring’s position in the troop. Punch’s mother is likely of a lower rank, meaning Punch must learn to navigate and establish his place within this strict hierarchy. Recent observations show that Punch has begun to interact with other monkeys. When a monkey starts grooming another, removing fleas, dirt, or cleaning wounds, it’s not just hygiene behavior but also a way to build alliances.

In the primate world, grooming is akin to human socializing or “dining together”—a crucial step for Punch to transition from relying on his plush toy to becoming an active member of the macaque society. The story of Punch is moving because it exemplifies life’s resilience in the face of adversity. Stewart emphasizes that there’s no need to overly pity Punch; he is learning how to become a “real monkey.” When Punch runs around the enclosure or plays with his peers, he is actively discovering his own social survival strategies in his unique way.

This article, “Primatologist Analyzes the Viral Internet Sensation Punch The Monkey and the Hidden Knowledge Behind It,” originally appeared on Chain News ABMedia.