Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo raises orphaned macaque like Japan's 'Punch'
高雄壽山動物園像日本的「Punch」一樣收養落單獼猴
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An orphaned baby monkey rescued in southern Taiwan is drawing comparisons to a viral Japanese macaque known for clutching toys and blankets for comfort.
Shoushan Zoo said it recently took in the infant male macaque after a resident found it alone in Meinong District on Saturday. The animal was estimated to be less than one month old, per UDN. The zoo said the infant macaque may have been abandoned or separated from its mother. Although it was uninjured when discovered, its young age raised concerns about its ability to survive in the wild. After the animal was reported to authorities, Kaohsiung’s Animal Protection Office transferred it to Shoushan Zoo, where it is now being cared for in an enclosure. Zookeepers provided the macaque with toys and blankets for comfort, noting that primates separated from their mothers often require additional emotional support. The monkey has been observed hugging the items, prompting comparisons to “Punch,” a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba, Japan, that went viral for similar behavior. Zoo Director Chuang Hsuan-chih (莊絢智) said the toy was given primarily to provide a sense of security because the infant lacked maternal care. He added that such measures are typically used only for primates. The zoo said it plans to raise the macaque until it is about one year old, after which staff will evaluate a suitable site for release back into the wild. Officials noted that the shelter where the baby macaque is being housed is designated for injured or rescued animals and is not open to the public, meaning visitors will not be able to see it. |
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| Sean Scanlan Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-03-02 |
