Punch the Macaque Gets Cool New Home

A baby macaque named Punch, who gained internet fame for his reliance on a stuffed toy after being abandoned, is set to benefit from new air conditioning at his Japanese zoo. The city of Ichikawa has budgeted 70 million yen to improve the conditions at the zoological and botanical gardens, with air conditioning expected this summer. Public support has been substantial, with over 43 million yen raised through donations by late May. Punch was born during a heatwave in July 2025 and was later introduced to a troop of about 60 macaques. His story highlights the challenges captive animals face during increasingly intense summers in Japan. Japanese macaques, native to cold climates, are particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. The zoo's upgrades include air conditioning, sunshades, and an expanded rest area, with improvements funded by both the city and public contributions. Record-breaking temperatures in recent years underscore the urgency of these animal welfare measures.