Controversial social media personality Tristan Tate, joined by his brother Andrew Tate, made headlines with an unexpected offer to purchase a young Japanese macaque named “Punch”, who became a global internet sensation after videos of his struggles circulated widely. The offer quickly sparked both praise and criticism online.
Punch, a seven-month-old macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, first captured public attention after being abandoned by his mother and hand raised by keepers. He developed a strong attachment to a stuffed orangutan plush toy, which provided him comfort and became an iconic image shared across social media platforms.
The viral attention increased when footage emerged of Punch being roughly dragged by an older monkey, prompting global concern and emotional reactions from viewers. In response to seeing the video, Tristan posted on X, “Which Zoo owns this monkey. @Cobratate and I will buy it. 250,000 dollars. I am NOT joking.” His post rapidly gained traction, amassing millions of views and igniting lively debate online.
Some fans of the monkey’s story praised the gesture, viewing it as an attempt to help a vulnerable animal and potentially give Punch a more nurturing environment. Others were critical, questioning the ethics and legality of buying a wild animal from a zoo. Experts and concerned observers pointed out that most zoos do not sell primates to private individuals, as these animals are protected under national and international wildlife laws, including CITES regulations.
The zoo itself has not indicated any intention to sell Punch. Officials have focused on his welfare, especially as recent videos suggest he has begun forming social bonds with other macaques, a positive sign in his reintegration into troop life. The increase in visitors and attention at the zoo due to Punch’s popularity even led to temporary changes in viewing policies to ensure the animals’ comfort.
As the story continues to unfold online, Punch’s emotional journey from abandonment to global fame has continued to captivate audiences. Tristan and Andrew Tate’s public offer, while controversial, has added another layer to the conversation about animal welfare, viral fame, and how people choose to respond when a compelling animal story captures public attention.