Scientists have discovered the sad truth behind Punch, the Japanese monkey that has won the hearts of millions of people on social media.
Punch is a seven-month-old Japanese macaque, born last year at Ichikawa Zoo, where he was rejected by his mother.
Animal keepers gave him a soft toy orangutan, with which Punch immediately formed a bond – and viral footage shows the monkey leaning on the toy.
Fans felt relieved for a moment when another macaque appeared to care for and soothe Punch.
However, a few days later, Punch was rejected again – and this time more aggressively.
Why do others attack Punch?
According to Professor Jo Setchell, a primatologist at Durham University, maternal abandonment is "very rare" in macaques - and may have set the stage for Punch's difficulties.
"A young monkey usually has the protection and support of its mother and learns the right responses from her, but Punch doesn't have this support, so he may not have learned the right way to behave," Professor Setchell told the Daily Mail.
Maternal abandonment usually occurs when the mother is young and inexperienced.
“I read that Punch was his mother's first child, so she may not have had much experience,” explained Professor Setchell.
"I've seen inexperienced primate mothers hold their baby upside down and seem stressed when it moves. It's a big change to go from being pregnant to holding your baby close to your belly for the first time!"
Hot conditions during Punch's birth may also have contributed to the abandonment.
"If the mother is in a weak state, she may prioritize her own survival and the future of her other children over caring for a little one who has little chance of survival," the professor added.
Punch's mother's upbringing may also have played a role, according to Dr. Emily Bethell, associate professor at Liverpool John Moores University.
“Abandonment is more likely if the mother herself had an unconventional upbringing – for example, if she was separated from her mother very early or experienced early stress, perhaps in cage conditions,” she said.
But why do the other monkeys attack Punch?
Professor Setchell says it all comes down to the dominance hierarchy.
"Punch is a Japanese macaque, and they have strong dominance hierarchies. The other monkeys are asserting their rank," she explained.
Dr. Bethell added that other monkeys may have initially tried to help Punch, noticing his mother's absence.
“Macaques are very social and interest in their young is common, including holding and caring for others. An abandoned young would attract the attention of other monkeys, and conflict could arise over who gets to keep it. This could lead to rough treatment of the young.”
While Punch has taken the internet by storm, Professor Setchell stresses that monkeys are "not pets".
"The attention on social media to baby monkeys could increase demand for them as pets and fuel the illegal trade, causing great suffering. Punch is an adorable baby, but this story shows how much a monkey needs its mother. He will grow up quickly and will need to live with others of his species." /GazetaExpress/
t7 live
