Punch, the baby monkey who went viral after being abandoned and later dragged in a concerning clip, now reportedly has a bodyguard protecting him at his zoo.
The young monkey has been the subject of multiple viral moments in recent weeks. First, he captured attention after being seen clinging to a plush toy following reports that he had been abandoned. Shortly after, a separate clip showing Punch being dragged by another monkey sparked widespread concern online.
As Dexerto previously reported, the zoo later responded to the backlash, stating that Punch had “been scolded many times by other monkeys” but that “no single monkey has shown serious aggression toward him.” The zoo maintained that the behavior was part of normal social dynamics as Punch adjusted to life among the troop.
Now, a new update circulating on social media claims Punch has been given additional protection.
On February 22, Insider Paper posted on X that “Little Punch monkey now has a bodyguard to protect him,” alongside a video clip showing Punch sitting against a rocky enclosure wall while a larger monkey appears positioned closely behind him.
The footage quickly spread across social media, with many users interpreting the larger monkey’s presence as added protection following the previous incidents.
The behavior may be a result of standard social dynamics and conspecific monitoring rather than a formal management designation by the zoo. Zoos often allow older or more dominant monkeys to monitor younger members as they integrate into group settings.
Punch’s story has continued to draw global attention, with companies such as IKEA previously donating plush toys to the zoo after being moved by the viral coverage of the baby monkey’s attachment to stuffed animals.
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