Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaaJSR4zYsO/

This is from a retired veterinarian from a different Japanese zoo, not Ichikawa.

Source in Japanese: https://note.com/isao4784/n/n76f5c5743db2

You can either use auto-translate on the original source or read chatgpt English version below. Feel free to comment if there's inaccurate translation. ETA: Formatting

Going to Meet Punch-kun, and Thinking About Zoos Through Punch-kun

ISAO / Veterinarian March 3, 2026

I went to Ichikawa Zoological & Botanical Garden to meet Punch-kun.

Punch-kun is a Japanese macaque who was hand-raised by keepers after being abandoned by his mother.

When I Hand-Raised Japanese Macaques

Years ago, when I worked at a zoo, I was making my morning rounds at the monkey mountain when I discovered a newborn Japanese macaque still attached to its umbilical cord, crying loudly. I contacted the primate keeper, and together the keepers, the zoo director, and I, as the veterinarian, discussed what to do. We decided to hand-raise the infant. The zoo director had to be involved because nighttime bottle-feeding and medical care would require overtime pay. Saving an animal costs money. I still remember the troubled expression on the director's face. I told him, "I'll do it even without overtime pay, so please let me." Looking back, that would be unimaginable today. But running a zoo means thinking about finances. Public zoos are funded by taxpayers, and overtime wages ultimately come from the public. At the time I thought, "The director is so stingy." Now I understand that simply wanting to save an animal isn't enough. There are many realities that have to be considered.

The very next day another crying newborn appeared. Once again the director, veterinarian, and keeper met, and we decided to hand-raise both infants together. Both were males. We raised them in an incubator in the veterinary hospital using human baby bottles and formula. Being young myself, I thought only about saving their lives. I never considered what would happen afterward. Because there were two of them, instead of clinging to an orangutan stuffed animal, they clung to each other. Although I wasn't being paid overtime, waking up in the middle of the night to feed them was enjoyable because seeing their happy little faces made it worthwhile. Later, the director found a way to pay me a small amount by classifying it as overnight duty instead of overtime. It was much cheaper that way.

Trying to Return Them to the Troop

When they were about six months old, we decided to return them to Monkey Mountain. Since none of us had any experience with this, we first introduced them while they remained inside a cage placed in the enclosure. At first the young monkeys gathered around the cage and watched from a distance. Then a young male began screaming loudly while kicking the cage. He climbed on top and stomped violently. Inside the cage, the two youngsters huddled together trembling with fear.

After several more introduction sessions, we decided to release them from the cage into the troop. Things seemed fine at first. But when a young male approached, the two monkeys clinging together let out terrified screams. Those cries triggered panic throughout the troop. Both youngsters were attacked repeatedly and seriously injured. We used water hoses to drive the other monkeys away, separated them from the troop, and hurriedly rescued them from Monkey Mountain. They spent quite some time recovering from their injuries in a dark room behind the scenes. After they healed, we tried again and again to return them to the troop. Every attempt ended with another attack. In the end, we were never able to return them. Eventually they were sold to an animal dealer. Back then, nobody knew where animal dealers ultimately sent the animals. I heard rumors they might be shipped to China. In truth, I never learned where they went. It's possible they even ended up at an animal testing facility.

What Makes Ichikawa Zoo So Remarkable

The remarkable thing about Ichikawa Zoological & Botanical Garden is that before Punch, they had already succeeded in returning another hand-raised Japanese macaque named Otome to her troop. Not only that—She later gave birth and successfully raised her own offspring. To me, based on my own experiences, that seemed absolutely impossible.

The dedication of the keepers is extraordinary.

I wish my younger self could have trained at Ichikawa Zoo. Punch, however, is a male. That may make things even more difficult than it was for Otome. Apparently he still experiences minor aggression from other monkeys, but he has avoided any serious injuries and seems to be doing well. I hope someday he becomes so fully accepted that he even fathers children within the troop.

About Hand-Raising Animals

Over the years I have hand-raised: Rabbits, Bats, Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Red pandas, Cattle, Horses, Dogs, Cats, Asian black bears, Japanese serow, Giraffes, Many other species.

The first challenge is always diarrhea. Because we use milk substitutes instead of natural mother's milk, adjusting the nutritional balance—especially fat content—is difficult. If the formula is even slightly too concentrated or too diluted, diarrhea develops almost immediately. Even animals of the same species often require different milk concentrations, feeding schedules, and amounts. For example, rabbits nurse only a few times a day in the wild, so their formula had to be much richer. Since many hand-raised infants never receive their mother's colostrum, their immune systems are weak. They frequently caught colds, and dried nasal discharge often made drinking milk difficult.

Although we could make them grow physically, we could never teach them the rules of being their own species. This is especially true for chimpanzees. Chimpanzees spend many years learning social rules from their troop. Since we humans don't know those rules ourselves, we couldn't teach them. A chimpanzee that doesn't know chimpanzee society cannot easily get along with other chimpanzees. Furthermore, chimpanzees that were abandoned by their own mothers often grow up to abandon their own offspring because they never learned maternal care. I once raised such a chimpanzee. When the animal reached about four years old, we began introductions to other chimpanzees. Having been raised by humans, the chimpanzee believed it was human. We first introduced it to an experienced, nurturing female. Neither accepted the other. Eventually they could at least occupy the same space. So we attempted to place the chimpanzee into the troop. The moment we did, an adult male bit it, fracturing its lower jaw. After surgery it recovered physically. But because an adult chimpanzee is too powerful to keep indefinitely in the hospital, it ended up living alone in a dark indoor bedroom because there were no other chimpanzees there. Only briefly in the evenings, after the other chimpanzees had returned indoors, could it go outside into the paddock. It took more than a full year before it could share the outdoor space with the others. Even then, it always sat apart from the group, sucking its fingers. Whenever it saw me, it reached through the bars asking to be held. Eventually this chimpanzee was also sold by an animal dealer and sent to China. Chimpanzees normally learn parenting by watching their mothers and other females within the troop. Hand-raised females almost always abandoned their own babies. Ironically, even without learning parenting, they still mated. To prevent an endless cycle of hand-rearing, we sometimes controlled reproduction in hand-raised females using contraceptive pills.

The Role of Zoos

Zoos originally began as royal collections displayed for people to admire. Today their stated purposes are: Species conservation, Scientific research, Education, Recreation. In reality, Japanese zoos do conduct conservation, research, and education, but recreation remains their primary role. Especially in regional zoos, there is often too little staff, too little funding, and inadequate facilities, making them primarily recreational attractions.

No animal chose to come to a zoo. Humans brought them there. They are kept for our enjoyment. Because of that, zoo professionals must always remember that the animals are, in a sense, the true "guests." Their responsibility is to provide those guests with the very best possible environment. In the past, zoos prioritized easy cleaning and clear viewing. Animals lived in barren concrete enclosures surrounded by iron bars. Imagine yourself living on concrete all day. I think I'd lose my sanity within a single day. Animals often developed stress behaviors: Constant body swaying, Endless pacing, Excessive grooming, Hair loss from over-licking. Then, beginning with places like Asahiyama Zoo, zoo professionals started transforming enclosures. They added soil. They planted trees. They studied animals' behavior in the wild and recreated environments that resembled their natural habitats.

The results were remarkable. Tree-dwelling animals climbed trees. Animals that loved water bathed and played. They became lively again. Their coats became healthier and shinier. Visitors could finally appreciate their natural beauty. Species that had previously been difficult to breed also began reproducing successfully.

This allowed zoos not only to showcase beautiful and fascinating animals, but also to teach visitors about the habitats where they live—and about how human activity is destroying those habitats and driving species toward extinction. Zoos became places of learning, not merely recreation.

Ichikawa Zoo also incorporates many welfare improvements throughout the grounds. There are elevated walkways for goats. The orangutan exhibit has three-dimensional rope systems that allow natural movement. The zoo director, who also serves as the manager, raises money through crowdfunding and other means to continually improve the zoo. One example of those efforts is the work being done to return Punch to his troop.

Designing the Red Panda Exhibit at Chausuyama Zoo

I worked together with the staff to design the red panda exhibit at Chausuyama Zoo in Nagano. Before designing the enclosure, we studied the species' habitat and behavior. We wanted to recreate their natural environment while minimizing stress and making daily management practical. However, the most important consideration was staying within budget. Research showed that red pandas dislike water. Instead of surrounding the exhibit with bars, we used a pond as a natural barrier. That allowed visitors to view the animals up close without visible cages while keeping construction costs low.

I love zoos.

Even after leaving zoo work, I still visit them often.

Some people say animals in zoos are pitiful. As a child, visiting zoos made me fall in love with animals.

That inspired me to become a veterinarian. Today, alongside my veterinary practice, I also participate in wildlife conservation.

I don't know whether zoos should ultimately continue to exist or disappear. But zoos that ignore animal welfare, make no effort to reduce stress, and keep animals in barren concrete cages simply for human convenience should disappear.

Zoos should strive to create environments that are even more comfortable than animals' natural habitats. I hope zoos become places where every animal looks happy—and where they truly are happy.

Ichikawa Zoological & Botanical Garden was incredibly crowded. The Japanese macaque exhibit, in particular, was packed with visitors. Unfortunately, what I was able to see this time wasn't Punch himself—it was only the orangutan stuffed animal.

I'm not sure why she did that. She's been giving Punch rides, grooming, playing and napping with him all week. The push was very dangerous. It's a good thing they installed the fire hose and Punch was able to grab onto safety. A bigger monkey came to chase Moe away toward the end.

Source: https://www.threads.com/@8nontan8/post/DaZnca1Dr8U

Looks like they've installed the AC

Source: https://x.com/Zoo_Aquariums/status/2072844365639426347

Background and Future Plans Regarding Population Management at the Monkey Mountain

At the Monkey Mountain in the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden, Japanese macaques have continued to give birth throughout 2026. While some babies are healthy, there have unfortunately been cases of miscarriages or postnatal deaths; we continue to care for these animals while cherishing every precious life on a daily basis.

In this statement, we would like to address concerns regarding whether “the current number of Japanese macaques has become excessive,” and explain the history of population management for our Japanese macaques as well as our future plans.

[Background]

As a member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (hereinafter referred to as “JAZA”), we naturally formulate breeding plans and manage all animals in our care in compliance with JAZA’s animal welfare guidelines.

Regarding our Japanese macaques, we have historically established breeding plans annually by the summer of the preceding year. In years requiring population control, we managed numbers by administering reproductive suppressants to the females.

For the 2026 plan, we decided not to implement reproductive restrictions for the following reasons: we had suspended the use of suppressants due to the duration of prior administration; there was a change in staff responsible for the Monkey Mountain, necessitating observation of the monkeys’ sexual behavior; and, given that Punch was born in July 2025 and was raised by hand, we believed the presence of younger individuals would be more effective for integrating Punch into the group. This decision led to the high number of births in 2026.

This surge in births was within our anticipated range. Given that we have previously managed populations larger than the current one, we do not consider the current population size in 2026 to be significantly excessive or to create a stressful environment for the Monkey Mountain.

[Future Plans]

In March of this year, when Punch became a subject of significant public interest, JAZA conducted an animal welfare survey regarding the Japanese macaques at our zoo. We submitted our husbandry manual, enrichment records, and breeding plan, and while we generally received their understanding, we also received advice on further improvements, such as refining our reproductive control techniques and formulating a breeding plan with a medium to long-term perspective.

In response, our zoo has established a breeding plan for the foreseeable future that will limit breeding in the Monkey Mountain area to either virtually none or a very small number of offspring.

Coincidentally, the supplementary budget recently passed by the Ichikawa City Council includes funding for the “expansion of the back-of-house facilities.” This initiative is not merely aimed at expanding living space; with an eye toward promoting future enrichment efforts, it paves the way for various possibilities, such as the expansion or renovation of the Monkey Mountain area.

Currently, our top priority for the Monkey Mountain is the successful integration of Punch into the troop; however, we remain committed to ensuring a more comfortable life for all our Japanese macaques, not just Punch.

We ask for your continued support and care for Punch and the other Japanese macaques living on Monkey Mountain.

Sources:

https://x.com/ichikawa_zoo/status/2071514994496389621

https://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/uploaded/life/69768_784091_misc.pdf

https://x.com/ichikawa_zoo/status/2071508823798669345

Aww, they synchronized. lol

Source: https://x.com/mari_onew/status/2071150648247349314

6/24. She's so cute.

Source: https://www.threads.com/@toranekohaiji/post/DZ9ki9yjwv4

lol. The older monkeys have much bigger movements. Even when Kibe and Moe play with him by the playground area, the chain moves a bigger than when it's just him and a golden monkey.

Source: https://www.threads.com/@naomiliuyayut/post/DaHkPWoEusI

Apparently someone was pointing a laser at Monkey Mountain.

I have no idea what she's actually doing. Looks like she's talking to herself though? lol

Source: https://www.threads.com/@toranekohaiji/post/DZ1LAJtD284

Pretty smart way to collect more food lol

Source: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ4q6uIvb-h/

So cute.

Source: https://www.threads.com/@ichigo_chiyoco/post/DZzDL-lEQsj

Another cute Moe trying to drink rain water: https://www.threads.com/@quinnythecorgi/post/DZgvpRlj3Ll

Original Source in Japanese. I recommend checking it out. Chatgpt English version below. If there's any error with Chatgpt translation, please feel free to correct in comments. ETA: Was missing quotes again. It's been added.

-_-

“Integrating a Monkey into a Troop Is Difficult”

Visitors Are Flocking from Around the World — Punch-kun’s Keepers Explain the “Misunderstood Reality” Behind His Story

By Yuko Suzuki

>“I think the reason Punch has been able to stay so healthy and injury-free is because, fundamentally, there is kindness throughout the troop.”

So says one of the keepers responsible for Japanese macaques at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Punch-kun, the Japanese macaque who has attracted attention not only across Japan but around the world, was born in July 2025 and joined the troop in January 2026. He is currently learning the “rules” of monkey society from the other macaques.

Although Punch-kun's popularity has exploded into a social phenomenon, the zoo's original goal has never changed:

To successfully return him to the troop.

In early March, staff members spoke about the challenges of what is known as troop integration.

Becoming the Monkey Keeper — Then Hand-Raising Punch Just Six Weeks Later

The zoo is located in Omachi, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, about two kilometers from the nearest train station.

Opened in 1987, it houses animals such as red pandas, orangutans, otters, and alpacas. Admission costs only 440 yen for adults, while the rose garden and nature observation area are free to enter.

On a rainy weekday afternoon, visitors could already be seen gathered around one exhibit: the monkey mountain where Punch-kun lives.

There, nestled in a rocky hollow, sat the tiny monkey that had become famous worldwide.

His constant companion—the orangutan plush toy affectionately nicknamed “Orang Mama”—was nowhere to be seen, but Punch-kun appeared relaxed as he spent time near the other monkeys.

The macaque keeper explained:

>“Punch is the smallest monkey and has darker-colored fur.”

He himself only became responsible for the macaques in June 2025, and Punch was born about a month and a half later.

>“Learning about Japanese macaques while simultaneously hand-raising Punch was pretty overwhelming,” he recalled.

Why They Didn't Put Punch in an Incubator

Japanese macaques typically mate in autumn and winter and give birth in spring, especially between April and June.

Punch-kun was born relatively late, on July 26.

His mother was a first-time mother. The intense summer heat exhausted her, and she was unable to care for her newborn.

The keeper recalled:

>“Shortly after birth, Punch was lying on the ground of the monkey mountain. We thought there was still a chance his mother might come back for him, so we moved him to a shaded indoor area and watched to see what would happen.”

Punch was lively and strong, but no monkey came to pick him up.

After discussion, the staff decided to begin hand-rearing him.

Normally, hand-reared infants are placed in an incubator in a separate room.

This time, however, they tried something different:

>“We decided to conduct the entire hand-rearing process within the monkey mountain environment itself.”

In other words, Punch would not be isolated from the troop.

Ironically, this was only possible because he was born during midsummer.

The macaques can freely move between the outdoor rocky enclosure and indoor housing twenty-four hours a day.

Monkeys born in spring usually require incubators because nights can still be cold. Since Punch was born in the middle of summer, temperature was not a concern.

As a result, he could grow up surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the troop from the beginning.

The keeper explained:

>“We would take him into a separate room only for feeding and then return him to the monkeys. We continued hand-rearing him while hoping his mother might eventually take him back. Punch's physical strength was a huge factor as well.”

The Origin of His Name

Punch-kun was named after Monkey Punch, the creator of Lupin III.

The staff also liked that people overseas would find the name easy to pronounce.

The Plush Toy Helps Prevent Overdependence on Humans

The stuffed orangutan plays a surprisingly important role in Punch's upbringing.

Baby Japanese macaques naturally cling to their mothers, so towels and stuffed animals can provide substitute comfort and support.

The toy serves another purpose as well:

Preventing excessive dependence on humans.

Punch's companion became an orangutan plush toy from IKEA.

The keeper explained:

>“When we began hand-rearing him, we gathered various stuffed animals from around the zoo and watched his reactions. We tried penguins, giraffes, and towels rolled to different thicknesses. The IKEA orangutan had long fur that was easy for him to grip. We agreed it seemed to be the best choice.”

Of course, a stuffed toy cannot completely replace physical contact and emotional reassurance.

So how did the keepers balance that?

>“Our goal was always to return Punch to the troop. We wanted to give him necessary contact while being careful not to make him too attached to people.”

If he became overly accustomed to humans, future troop integration could become much more difficult.

To avoid that, the plush toy provided comfort while keepers limited direct interaction mainly to feeding times.

The keeper recalled:

>“Punch would sometimes express the loneliness of not having a mother by seeking us out. During feeding time, we made sure to interact with him while still maintaining some distance. We also exercised him—for example, by moving the arm he was clinging to in large motions—to help build his muscles.”

Although Punch now spends increasing amounts of time away from the toy, he still keeps it nearby when sleeping or after being scolded by other monkeys.

Even today, he often runs to the keepers and clings to them during feeding time, when they continue supplementing his diet.

Returning Him to the Troop Was Extremely Difficult

Punch officially joined the troop on January 19, when he was five months old.

He is currently the only monkey under one year old in the group and is learning social rules roughly six months later than monkeys raised naturally by their mothers.

The keeper explained:

>“Because Punch was raised by humans, he's still learning. For example, if he makes eye contact and walks directly toward another monkey, that can be seen as threatening. He might get pinned down or lightly bitten.”

From a human perspective, that can look harsh.

>“People think, ‘That poor little baby monkey!’ But this is normal behavior within a troop. Other young monkeys experience the same thing. In fact, I sometimes think they're going easy on Punch. He's doing well and hasn't suffered any serious injuries.”

A Previous Success Story: Otome

The zoo has previously succeeded in reintegrating hand-reared macaques.

One notable example was a female named Otome, born in June 2008.

Like Punch, she also carried a stuffed animal while growing up.

She eventually joined the troop after turning one year old, later gave birth, raised offspring of her own, and still lives on the monkey mountain today.

Even so, successful reintegration is far from guaranteed.

Takashi Yasunaga, section chief at the zoo, explained:

>“Our experienced keepers were fully capable of keeping Punch alive. But returning a newborn macaque to the troop is an entirely different challenge. The keepers developed a reintegration plan based on previous cases like Otome while consulting veterinarians and colleagues familiar with macaques.”

Identifying the “Friendly Monkeys”

As described earlier, Punch was hand-reared within the monkey mountain environment.

The other monkeys could see him, and he could see them.

The keeper explained:

>“He first interacted with the others through barriers. Later he entered the monkey mountain while clinging to a keeper. We'd put him down to play, move away slightly, and gradually go through the steps of reintroducing him to the troop.”

During this process, the keepers closely watched the monkeys' reactions.

They were specifically looking for:

Monkeys that treated Punch kindly.

>“We identified monkeys that seemed likely to be gentle with him and housed them together with Punch for a period of time. He wasn't afraid of them at all. At that point we felt confident enough to take the next step and return him to the troop. After a staff meeting, we chose the date.”

Troop integration depends not only on Punch's condition but also on the personalities and emotional states of the monkeys receiving him.

The keepers constantly observe the nearly sixty-member troop.

Maintaining a calm social atmosphere and recognizing the right moment for reintegration are important skills developed through experience.

Punch-kun's Greatest Strength: His Personality

Since joining the troop, many observers have noted that the other monkeys appear surprisingly gentle toward Punch.

Some have even described them as kind.

Yasunaga said:

>“At first, the keepers worried that Punch might become timid and withdrawn. If that happened, it would be difficult for him to fit into the troop. But Punch lives very innocently and energetically. His resilient personality may be the biggest reason this has gone so well.”

In other words, while the keepers carefully planned his upbringing and integration, the staff believe Punch himself deserves much of the credit. Rather than becoming fearful after being scolded, pinned down, or corrected by older monkeys, he keeps bouncing back—a trait that may ultimately determine whether he becomes a fully accepted member of the troop.

Before the birthing boom starting with Sakura, they had 56 monkeys in the troop.

Source is this article in Japanese. The auto-translate English version is kind of funky, so ChatGPT English version below. I still recommend checking out the original for the pictures shared by the zoo though. If anyone reads the Japanese version and Chatgpt's English translation is weird, please comment below.

ETA: I edited and re-added the zoo's quotes.

Visitors Flock to See Punch-kun!

The Dedicated Efforts of the Keepers at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens — The “Deep and Complex” Living Situation of a Monkey Mountain Home to 56 Japanese Macaques

By Yuko Suzuki

Separated from Tokyo by the Edogawa River, the city of Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture is home to the increasingly famous Japanese macaque, Punch-kun. He lives at the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens, located in the city's northern Omachi district. A visit reveals him living freely among the monkeys on the zoo's monkey mountain.

Punch-kun Is Gradually Becoming More Independent

The calls of Japanese macaques echoed across the monkey mountain. It was nearly 3 p.m., feeding time was approaching, and the monkeys were beginning to grow restless.

When the door opened and a keeper appeared, the monkeys gathered at the summit rushed down all at once.

Normally, when feeding time arrives, Punch-kun clings to the keeper's legs or arms. Since he was hand-raised, milk-feeding time was also his opportunity to interact with keepers. Even after joining the troop, he continued to seek comfort from them.

However, on the day of this interview (March 3), there was a noticeable change. Even after feeding began, Punch-kun did not jump onto the keeper and instead stayed a short distance away.

After feeding, a keeper explained the significance of what visitors had just witnessed:

>"Today was the first time Punch stayed with the troop and ate without clinging to us. It's a milestone in his growth. He hasn't been able to eat enough yet, so we're feeding him separately in another room for now. He'll come back out shortly."

Despite the rainy weather, a large crowd had gathered around the monkey mountain. Many foreign visitors were present, including a woman who had traveled all the way from Taiwan specifically to see Punch-kun. According to her, Punch-kun's popularity on social media in Taiwan is enormous.

The zoo has reportedly received an increasing number of phone calls from overseas, and standing in front of the monkey mountain made it easy to understand why.

A Traditional Monkey Mountain

The monkey mountain is one of the classic exhibits found in Japanese zoos, allowing visitors to observe troops of Japanese macaques. The traditional artificial rocky mountain is familiar to many people and provides views from above and from the side.

Punch-kun's monkey mountain follows this traditional design and was built when the zoo opened in 1987. The enclosure is spacious, and feeding times allow visitors to watch the entire troop moving together up close.

The rocky structure includes:

• A gathering area at the summit
• Recesses where monkeys can hide
• Ledges that encourage play
• Chains and enrichment equipment
• A waterfall
• A pond

These features create a varied environment.

Watching the troop reveals many different behaviors: chasing one another, vigorously shaking chains while playing, or sitting together grooming each other.

Connected to the outdoor enclosure is an indoor holding area. The monkeys are free to move between indoors and outdoors as they please. Since the indoor space is heated, many choose to stay inside on cold days.

A keeper responsible for the macaques explained:

>"Here we generally let the monkeys decide how they spend their time. Some even sleep outside at night. They go indoors when it rains, and in winter some stay in rooms with heated floors. Punch is treated the same as the other monkeys."

Managing the Troop

At times, management practices must be adjusted depending on weather, cleaning schedules, health concerns, breeding, or aggressive behavior.

For example, according to an announcement made by the zoo on March 10, several high-ranking monkeys had increasingly begun targeting Punch-kun. As a precaution, those individuals were temporarily separated from the troop.

During summer, the zoo installs sprinklers outdoors and cooling units that blow chilled air. Adapting to increasingly severe weather has become an important part of animal care.

This challenge is not unique to Ichikawa. Zoos across Japan are reassessing outdoor exhibits and implementing heat-countermeasures as extreme weather and climate change increasingly affect animal welfare.

Caring for a Monkey Mountain with 56 Residents

Currently, 56 Japanese macaques live on the monkey mountain.

With so many animals, large amounts of waste and leftover food accumulate, making daily cleaning and sanitation essential.

Indoor areas and enclosure floors are swept every day, while the rocky mountain itself is washed on days when the zoo is closed.

A keeper explained:

>"On cleaning days, we first move the monkeys indoors. Then we climb onto the mountain ourselves and wash it down with water."

The monkeys have become so accustomed to the routine that they move indoors smoothly when cleaning time arrives.

Although keepers are generally not attacked when entering the monkeys' living space, they maintain a safe distance to minimize risk.

>"The first time I entered the monkey mountain, the monkeys were very wary of me. Following my senior colleagues' advice, I try not to show fear and avoid unnecessary interference. Sometimes they get angry at me, but if I remain calm and confident, they eventually give up."

Maintaining a healthy environment for nearly 60 monkeys also requires efficiency.

Takashi Yasunaga, section chief at the zoo, explained:

>"We're always thinking about what kind of environment is best for maintaining the troop while continuing to care for this many animals."

Is a Rocky Monkey Mountain Really Bad?

In recent years, some zoos have renovated monkey exhibits to resemble more natural mountains with soil and trees, reflecting growing interest in animal welfare.

However, Yasunaga cautions against assuming that rocky exhibits are inherently inferior.

If the ground were covered with soil rather than concrete, cleaning would become much more difficult. In areas with poor sunlight, soil stays damp and can remain dirty.

Both soil and concrete have advantages and disadvantages. The best environment depends on many factors, including:

• Available space
• Sunlight conditions
• The species' natural behavior
• Number of animals

A New Facility: "Osaroom"

Near the monkey mountain, a new exhibit called "Osaroom" ("Monkey Room") opened this spring.

It serves as a shared outdoor enclosure within the zoo's monkey zone and is used on a rotating basis by:

• Bolivian squirrel monkeys
• Ring-tailed lemurs
• Mandrills

The enclosure measures 10.3 meters by 3.6 meters and includes soil and trees, creating a more natural and enriching environment.

The animals reach the area via elevated aerial pathways connected to their individual enclosures, allowing visitors to watch monkeys crossing overhead.

The primary goal of Osaroom is to provide a comfortable and stimulating environment for the smaller primates.

Yasunaga explained:

>"Because of hygiene concerns we couldn't simply add soil to the existing enclosures, and of course we can't change the direction the buildings face. We needed another solution, so we decided to create a shared monkey plaza in a sunny location."

The area receives ample sunlight, includes natural materials such as trees and soil, and allows all three species to enjoy both play and sunbathing.

Part of the construction cost was funded through crowdfunding. Between May and July 2025, the campaign raised 10,434,287 yen, exceeding its goal. The facility officially opened on March 20, 2026.

Approaching the Zoo's 40th Anniversary

The zoo will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027.

Its origins trace back to 1987, when the city received two Sichuan Red Panda from its sister city, Leshan, China.

Later, as part of another sister-city exchange, two Sumatran Orangutan were donated by Medan, Indonesia, in 1997.

One of them, a male named Ivan, is still alive. Four of Japan's seven Sumatran orangutans currently reside at the zoo.

Other attractions include:

• A custom otter play feature called "Nagashi Kawauso" ("Flowing Otters"), where visitors can watch otters glide along a water course.
• Domestic animal exhibits featuring cows, horses, ponies, capybaras, and African spurred tortoises.
• A miniature railway.
• A botanical garden ideal for leisurely walks.

The facility has long been beloved by local residents.

Staying True to Its Identity

Although Punch-kun's fame has brought worldwide attention, Yasunaga hopes the zoo will remain grounded.

>"We don't want to get carried away by this popularity. We want to preserve what makes Ichikawa special and continue being a good place for local residents."

While larger nearby zoos house famous animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and hippos, the staff's philosophy remains different.

>"Rather than trying to become a nationally prominent zoo by acquiring rare animals, we want to continue caring for the animals we already have. All of our staff share the desire to put the animals first."

As of February 28, 2026, the zoo housed 331 animals representing 44 species.

Through creative exhibit designs and expanded shared enclosures, staff continue working to improve animal welfare despite limited space and resources.

Yasunaga added:

>"Since opening, we've relied on fairly traditional exhibit styles, but the facilities are beginning to show their age. We'd like to keep making improvements one step at a time, adapting to the times while always benefiting the animals."

Eventually the "Punch-kun Boom" Will Fade

Even on a rainy weekday, crowds gather around the monkey mountain to watch Punch-kun.

Yasunaga reflected:

>"It's amazing. As Punch grows, the boom will eventually settle down. But when that happens, I hope people who came here for the first time because of Punch will discover the other animals and think, 'This is actually a pretty nice place,' and decide to come back."

Many visitors first learn about the zoo through Punch-kun. But beyond the famous young macaque, the zoo offers plenty of opportunities to discover the charm of its other animals as well.

Found the video version of the Punch and Moe post earlier.

Source: https://x.com/Cha_Shu_Meen/status/2067098891401781446

Moe-chan looks so cute, like she's singing her heart out. Meanwhile Punch looks like my brother telling me to stop singing. lol

Source: https://www.threads.com/@is_animal_shu/post/DZrbnork_Ph

Mom took her baby back. Looks like the kidnapping happened sometime after the zoo opened and before meal time (9:30 AM - 12 PM)

Source: https://youtu.be/i_XUiIVCJTc&t=858