Tokyo, Feb 28: Influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate have offered USD 250,000 to purchase Punch, a seven-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, triggering widespread backlash and a debate over wildlife protection laws.
The offer surfaced after videos of Punch — seen clinging to an orange orangutan soft toy — went viral globally, drawing emotional reactions and turning the young primate into an internet sensation.
While some social media users described the proposal as a possible rescue attempt, critics accused the brothers of seeking to monetise the animal’s popularity.
“The last thing any zoo should do is sell a monkey to you so you can monetize it,” wrote a user identified as Brick Suit on X. When the intent behind the offer was clarified online, the user responded, “Thanks for confirming you wanted to monetize Punch.”
Wildlife experts noted that the sale of such primates is generally prohibited under international protection frameworks, including CITES regulations, and stressed that zoos are bound by strict conservation norms.
Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and has since been hand-raised by zoo keepers. To provide comfort, staff introduced an orangutan plush toy from IKEA’s “DJUNGELSKOG” collection, whose long arms allow the infant macaque to cling to it for security. Images of the bond spread rapidly online, resonating with audiences worldwide.
The monkey’s viral fame — dubbed the “Punch effect” by social media users — has led to a surge in visitors to the zoo and soaring demand for the USD 20 plush toy, which has sold out in several countries and reportedly appeared on resale platforms for as much as USD 350.
According to IKEA’s website, the DJUNGELSKOG collection is part of an awareness initiative highlighting wild animals endangered due to human activities. “Martin Petri… was in a rainforest in Borneo in 2016… he caught a glimpse of an orangutan dwelling – they were back,” the company notes in describing the inspiration behind the programme. IKEA Japan has since donated additional plush toys to the zoo.
Zoo officials have firmly ruled out any sale. They emphasised that primates are protected under international wildlife laws and reiterated that Punch will remain under their care.
Recent videos show the young macaque playing and being groomed by other monkeys, suggesting steady progress in his social reintegration, though keepers say the plush toy continues to serve as a source of comfort during his adjustment.
