CHIBA: Punch, the Japanese macaque who won hearts around the world after being photographed clinging to a plush toy orangutan, celebrated his first birthday on Sunday at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture.
Punch became an internet sensation last year after zookeepers gave him the stuffed toy as a substitute after he was separated from his mother.
Now one year old, Punch has grown up considerably. His once darker fur has turned the same brown colour as the other macaques at the zoo, and he has stopped carrying the plush toy. Instead, he has settled into the troop, where he is often seen playing with and grooming other monkeys.
The zoo received more than 2,500 birthday cards from Japan and overseas. On Sunday, a group of foreign visitors gathered to sing "Happy Birthday" to the young macaque.
"I'm grateful that Punch has reached his first birthday in good health," said Takashi Yasunaga, a section chief at the zoo. "I hope people will continue to watch over him warmly."
Punch was photographed at Ichikawa City Zoo during Sunday's birthday celebration. – Japan News/ANN
