Mood over time
1 minute ago
Ichikawa Zoo put out an explanation of Punch's background and everything that led to now, including a reference to a 2009 report about another macaque named Otome being introduced to a troop. Seems like they're laying out the full context for people following along.
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Zoo partnered with local train company to ease traffic
Ichikawa City Zoo signed a community revitalization agreement with Hokuso Railway. They're recommending visitors take the train to Omachi Station and walk through the nature observation garden to get to the zoo instead of driving. Basically they're asking people to stop clogging up the roads.
Punch got some affection from the troop today
One of the macaques was being nice to him. Not a huge moment but the kind of thing that adds up. He's getting treated okay out there.
Punch bolted from his hideout the second a zookeeper showed up
Soon as the keeper arrived, Punch launched himself out of a hole and jumped onto their shoulder. Then they walked out together like that. He's definitely got his favorites.
Punch played with other macaques without his stuffed orangutan
He was hanging out with the other kids and didn't need his comfort toy today. People asked about his left arm looking weird, so the zookeepers had a vet check him out. He's fine, just being a normal monkey.
Morning check-in from the zoo
The zoo posted a morning greeting to Punch on February 25th. Just a regular day at Monkey Mountain so far.
Punch got caught in heavy rain at the zoo today
Heavy downpour hit Monkey Mountain this afternoon. No word yet on how Punch handled the weather or if he stayed dry. The stuffed orangutan's waterproofing remains untested.
Zookeepers noticed Punch keeps approaching the troop even after getting scolded
A reporter visited Ichikawa Zoo and talked to the keepers about Punch's reintegration. Apparently he gets told off by the older macaques pretty regularly but just keeps going back. The keepers said his persistence is what they're actually watching for, not cuteness.
Punch got groomed by two macaques at once today
The zookeeper said the mountain was quiet on Sunday, no fights or drama. Punch got thoroughly groomed by two macaques around 5pm. The staff is saying he's settling into the troop at a steady pace.
Punch is clinging to something and not letting go
There's a new video of Punch holding onto something tight and refusing to release his grip. The zoo posted it but didn't say what he was clinging to. Could be a keeper, could be another macaque, could be his stuffed orangutan. We'll probably find out soon enough.
Punch learned how to eat grass from an older macaque
One of the senior macaques showed Punch how to eat grass today. He watched and copied. Small thing but apparently this is how macaques pick up food knowledge from their troop.
Punch has a support squad now
Some of the older macaques in the troop have been sticking close to Punch lately. Could be they're keeping an eye on him, could be they're just curious about the new kid. Either way, he's got company.
Punch got chased and ran back to his keeper
Some of the older macaques went after Punch and he bolted back to his zookeeper for safety. The crowd watching got nervous about it. He's still figuring out how to handle the rough stuff that comes with being in a troop.
Punch bolted the second a zookeeper showed up
Punch was hanging with the troop and then a zookeeper appeared. He took off running immediately. Still not at the stage where he's cool with the handlers around the other macaques.
Punch napping with his stuffed orangutan mom
Punch got caught mid-afternoon nap with the IKEA orangutan tucked against him. Still carrying his security item around even as he settles into the troop. The stuffed animal is getting less action these days but apparently hasn't been retired yet.
Zoo hit capacity on Saturday. Punch is fine.
So many people showed up to see Punch on Saturday that the zoo had to open overflow parking. Gates had lines. Zoo is thanking everyone for being well-behaved about it. Punch himself is doing great, unbothered by the chaos.
Punch is not sharing his stuffed orangutan with anyone
Punch has gotten territorial about his comfort toy. Other macaques are trying to get near it and he's shutting that down completely. The stuffed orangutan went from being his security blanket to being something he actively guards.
Punch spent the morning jumping between zookeepers
Punch was bouncing back and forth between the keepers today, using them as a sort of jungle gym. Just the usual chaos of having a 7-month-old macaque who still treats his caretakers like playground equipment.
Otome the macaque went from having Rilakkuma as a mom to being a grandmother
Someone's reflecting on another macaque named Otome who was raised with a Rilakkuma plushie back in 2008 and is now a grandmother herself. The implication being that Punch will eventually grow up and move past needing his stuffed orangutan comfort object too.
People are lining up at 9am to see Punch
Visitors are showing up early to the zoo just to catch a glimpse of him. The tweet's basically saying they're all here for cute Punch and will keep watching him grow.
Punch was spotted walking around yesterday
Someone watched Punch moving through the enclosure and was quietly rooting for him. They noticed he's growing bit by bit, even if it's gradual. Nothing dramatic happened. He just walked.
Punch tried something hard and didn't nail it
Someone was at the zoo and watched Punch attempt something challenging. On social media it looked sad, but seeing it in person was different. Punch kept going at it anyway. The observation was about how parents or caregivers are basically safe bases for kids when things don't work out on the first try.
Punch had a snack with Utan Mom at 3pm today
Someone local went to visit and caught Punch having his afternoon snack alongside Utan Mom, one of the adult females in the troop. They're thinking about getting a yearly pass since it's only 1,260 yen.
Photo from Mainichi Newspaper shows young Punch with his stuffed orangutan
Someone shared a photo that ran in Mainichi Newspaper of Punch as a tiny baby with his IKEA orangutan companion. Apparently he's had that thing since he was really small.
Punch got groomed by another macaque
A member of the troop groomed Punch today. It's a first for him. He sat still for it, which apparently takes nerve when you're the new kid and still figuring out where you stand.
Punch ate with the whole troop for the first time
Today he joined the group during feeding time instead of eating separately or relying on the zookeepers. His caretakers have been waiting for this one. It means he's getting comfortable enough to eat alongside 60 macaques without panicking.
