The story of Punch, a young Japanese macaque living at the Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. After being abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth last July, the infant monkey became an internet sensation when footage showed him clinging to a stuffed orangutan for comfort. This fuzzy surrogate mother became his constant companion, providing a sense of security and warmth that he was denied early in life. While the heartwarming clips of Punch cuddling his toy helped him rise to fame, they also raised significant questions about his wellbeing. Primatologists...
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