Japanese Baby Monkey "Peonchi" Abandoned by His Mother
Goes Viral on Social Media for Carrying an Orangutan Doll
Scientists have offered an analysis of why Peonchi, a Japanese baby monkey who drew attention for always being with an orangutan doll, is being treated roughly by other monkeys.
On the 24th (local time), the UK Daily Mail analyzed the reasons Peonchi is being rejected and bullied by other monkeys. Jo Setchell, a primatologist at Durham University in the UK, said, "Maternal abandonment is extremely rare among macaques," adding, "Normally, baby monkeys learn the proper way to behave under the protection of their mothers. But because Peonchi did not receive such support, it is possible that he failed to learn the appropriate behaviors expected in his peer group."
Professor Setchell pointed out that one background factor in Peonchi being abandoned by his mother is that he was her first baby. A mother lacking experience can suffer severe stress during the rearing process, and the high temperatures at the time of birth may also have played a role. She added, "If the mother's health is poor, she may prioritize her own survival and future reproduction over caring for an infant she judges to have a low chance of survival."
Another expert analyzed that the behavior of the other monkeys is related to dominance hierarchy. Emily Bethell of Liverpool John Moores University in the UK said, "Peonchi is a Japanese macaque, and they have a strong dominance hierarchy," adding, "The other monkeys are asserting their status by handling Peonchi roughly."
There were also voices of concern about Peonchi's soaring popularity online. Professor Setchell warned, "Monkeys are not pets," and said, "Social media attention on cute baby monkeys can stimulate demand for them as pets, which can lead to illegal trade and cause severe suffering for the animals." She went on to stress, "Peonchi will soon become an adult and needs to live with other monkeys of his own species."
Previously, in July last year, Peonchi, a male baby monkey weighing about 500g, was born at Ichikawa Zoo. He was rejected by his mother immediately after birth and was hand-reared by zookeepers. The keepers provided towels and dolls to substitute for the mother, and among the various items, Peonchi chose a large orange orangutan doll that was even bigger than his own body and dragged it around constantly. Even when he was roughly pushed away by his mother, he was seen clinging to the doll, suggesting that he was finding emotional comfort through it.
Meanwhile, as interest in Peonchi has spread, Ichikawa Zoo has experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors. At one point, the number of people allowed to enter had to be limited due to the sudden spike in attendance.
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