Punch, the Japanese macaque that recently gained popularity online, will be celebrating his first birthday on July 26.
Ichikawa Zoo has stated that it will host an in-park exhibit titled “Hang in there Punch: Messages from everyone exhibition” from July 22 to August 9.
The exhibit will take place in the lecture hall located on the first floor of Ichikawa City Zoo’s Rest House building.
Those planning to visit the zoo for the duration of the exhibit may view birthday cards and messages sent by Punch’s fans from around the world and watch YouTube videos featuring Punch at the venue.
They can also write their own birthday messages and wishes for Punch on the exhibit’s Message Wall.
Meanwhile, those who cannot go to the venue in person may still send their birthday messages to Punch by mail to Ichikawa City Zoological & Botanical Garden.
The messages will be displayed during the exhibit.
The zoo will be accepting birthday cards from the public until July 15.
READ ALSO: Ichikawa Zoo says Punch the monkey is now making friends
Punch’s virality
It can be noted that Punch won over the hearts of internet users worldwide when the zoo gave him a plush orangutan to serve as a mother figure following the death of his mother.
Netizens were also filled with anger after footage showed Punch being “bullied” by elder monkeys at the Ichikawa Zoo, a claim which the zoo and scientists refuted, stating that these are part of the macaques’ natural behaviour and part of their development.
Earlier this year, the internet was also delighted after Punch made new friends and was reported to be spending more time away from his stuffed toy.
Recently, the zoo publicly stated that someone reportedly aimed a laser at his zoo enclosure, raising warnings over blindness risk.
“It is extremely dangerous… We will take firm action, such as immediately expelling users,” a zoo official stated.
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Hazel Camba 
Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Jacinth Banite