The viral sensation "Punch-kun," a young snow monkey beloved on social media, has sparked intense controversy after the global animal rights organization PETA issued a sharp statement criticizing the living conditions of the monkey at a Japanese zoo.
The animal protection organization PETA released a statement condemning Japan's Ishikawa Zoo after seeing Punch-kun, a Japanese snow monkey, kept in an environment dominated by concrete, lacking natural surroundings, and essentially confined in a cage. They emphasized that zoos are not sanctuaries but places of captivity that restrict animal freedom and deprive them of their natural environment and necessary social life.
Regarding Punch-kun's case, PETA views it as a reflection of the stress, loneliness, and loss experienced by the young snow monkey, who naturally should grow up within a close-knit family group, learn social skills, and live in a rich forest environment—not seek comfort from stuffed toys in a closed, artificial space.
PETA also cited the example of "Mu Deng," the dwarf hippopotamus who previously went viral, noting that while public attention faded quickly, the animal was forced to remain in captivity for life.
The organization stated that online fame does not change the reality of confinement and may even encourage zoos to breed and display young animals to attract tourists and boost ticket sales, while the animals suffer long-term consequences.
In its statement, PETA called on Ishikawa City Zoo to relocate Punch-kun to a certified animal sanctuary with a larger, more natural space that offers privacy and opportunities for appropriate social relationships consistent with his species.
The organization stressed that as long as animals with sentience are treated merely as "tourist attractions," incidents like this will continue to happen repeatedly.
:PETA
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