Now Reading: Punch the baby monkey turns 1, gets new enclosure, friends
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Punch the baby monkey turns 1, gets new enclosure, friends
Punch, the orphaned Japanese macaque who charmed millions by clinging to a stuffed orangutan, turned one on 26 June at Ichikawa City Zoo, near Tokyo. The zoo says he now roughhouses with…
The Story in Brief
Punch, the orphaned Japanese macaque who charmed millions by clinging to a stuffed orangutan, turned one on 26 June at Ichikawa City Zoo, near Tokyo. The zoo says he now roughhouses with siblings, grooms other monkeys, and even guards younger ones. His enclosure is being upgraded with sunshades and air conditioning after donations poured in.
The zoo received some 2,500 birthday cards from Japan and abroad, reports The Times of India, which also notes that a donation fund raised 48 million yen (about $300,000) by end of May. The zoo proposed an additional 70 million yen (about $437,000) to the city council for habitat improvements. Fans like Kumi Ishizawa, who recovered from illness, told the AP they were inspired by Punch's survival.
The Indian Opinion
Punch's story is heartwarming, but the outpouring raises a pointed question: why do we open our wallets for a cute monkey while ignoring the slow extinction of so many less photogenic species? The zoo's real win is not the air conditioning, but the steady stream of visitors. The test is whether donations continue after Punch grows up, or whether his fame fades like a viral meme. If the money only follows the cute face, we haven't learned much.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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