Monkey Punch Receives 2,500 Greeting Cards for First Birthday

Punch, a Japanese macaque monkey who began life in solitude, has captured global attention. On his first birthday, Punch received more than 2,500 greeting cards from fans across various countries who have followed his journey since birth. The thousands of birthday cards were affixed to the walls of the Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba, Japan, with the number far exceeding the available display space.

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These were extraordinary cards from Punch's fans.

Zoo manager Takashi Yasunaga stated that the birthday cards sent by Punch's fans would remain on display at the Ichikawa City Zoo until August 30. Yasunaga noted, "These were extraordinary cards from Punch's fans." Punch was born on July 26, 2025, and shortly after birth, he was abandoned by his mother, reportedly due to exhaustion. Zoo keepers took over Punch's care, providing him with an orangutan plush toy as a companion. The toy was chosen for its relatively long fur and easy-to-grip parts, mimicking the natural behavior of macaque infants who cling tightly to their mothers for survival.

When Punch began integrating with the monkey group in the main enclosure in January, the zoo allowed him to keep his orangutan plush toy. A photograph of Punch walking while dragging his beloved furry friend went viral online, turning him into an international sensation. Punch's story has also drawn thousands of visitors to the zoo. Due to high public interest, the zoo implemented a special rule limiting viewing time to 10 minutes to reduce stress for both Punch and the more than 50 other macaques in the area.

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This plush toy has relatively long fur and some easy-to-grip places. We thought its similarity to a monkey could help Punch reintegrate with his group later on.

In recent months, Punch has shown encouraging progress. He has begun adapting to his group, observed riding on the backs of other monkeys, sitting with adults, and receiving grooming and embraces from group members.

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As Punch tried very hard, fighting for life every day, his two keepers did everything they could, as did other staff watching him.