"Punch has been scolded by other monkeys many times in the past and has learned how to socialize with them," the statement said. The zoo staff also noted that after moments of conflict with other monkeys, Punch runs back to his comfort object - his stuffed toy orangutan. When he feels safe again, he will leave his toy and return to his peers."
"The zoo and botanical garden has been posting regularly about Punch's progress as he tries to integrate with the other macaques after moving in with them last month at the zoo's "Monkey Mountain." The baby monkey now has masses of dedicated human fans around the world cheering him on - though he's still learning how to socialize with his own species."
"Videos have gone viral showing Punch looking lonesome and snuggling with his soft toy, or approaching other monkeys in the enclosure with varying degrees of success. Some videos show Punch being outright rejected by the group of primates, or even seemingly bullied."
Punch is a seven-month-old macaque who was abandoned shortly after birth and raised by staff at the Ichikawa City Zoo. Staff provided a stuffed orangutan as a surrogate because baby macaques often cling to their mothers for comfort and security. Punch carries the toy and uses it for comfort after being scolded or rejected by other macaques. He moved into the zoo's "Monkey Mountain" enclosure last month and is attempting to integrate with the group. Viral videos show both lonely moments and social attempts, while staff say scolding and conflict are part of his social learning process.
Read at The Washington Post
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