Punch the Japanese macaque marks first birthday at Ishikawa Zoo

Punch, a Japanese macaque abandoned by his mother, was raised at the Ishikawa Zoo with an orangutan‑shaped plush toy that helped him develop his grasp reflex. The plush became a viral sensation, drawing worldwide attention and prompting the zoo to limit viewing time for the other 50 monkeys.

On July 26, Punch celebrated his first birthday. The zoo received about 2,500 cards and messages from fans worldwide, and director Takashi Yasunaga confirmed the correspondence will be displayed in an interactive exhibit. Caretaker Kosuke Shikano noted the toy’s design was chosen to mimic a real infant monkey’s grip. Since his arrival, Punch has integrated fully with the group, no longer relying on the plush, and now interacts normally with other macaques.

The celebration boosted visitor numbers and highlighted the zoo’s conservation and animal‑care efforts.