A six-month-old monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan is capturing hearts around the world after videos showed him clinging to a small orangutan plush toy for comfort.
Punch, the viral lonely monkey, was attacked by another member of his troop and immediately returned to his plush toy for comfort. pic.twitter.com/5A4H5SqNdL
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 19, 2026
The baby Japanese macaque, named Punch (Panchi-kun), was born in July 2025 and was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers stepped in to care for him, sharing updates on social media as he slowly adjusted to life within the troop.
Read more: Pakistan Launches Precision Strikes on Militant Hideouts Along Afghan Border
Online attention grew when videos showed Punch carrying his plush toy everywhere he went — cuddling it while resting and keeping it close during interactions with other macaques. Early footage suggested he struggled to fit in and was occasionally rejected by other monkeys, prompting an outpouring of sympathy from viewers worldwide.
Punch the little bullied monkey has a bodyguard now 🫶🏻🥹 pic.twitter.com/ijpZAe0f6H
— TaraBull (@TaraBull) February 22, 2026
In recent weeks, however, the zoo reported encouraging progress. Punch has gradually begun interacting with more members of the troop and has even been groomed by another macaque — a key sign of social acceptance. Keepers say he is still learning group behavior but continues to show steady improvement.
Read more: Hamas says Israel must end ‘aggression’ as Trump board plans Gaza future
The story has sparked a surge in visitors to the zoo and fueled a global wave of support online, with the hashtag #HangInTherePunch spreading across social media platforms.
More information about Punch, the baby monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.
He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and has been hand‑raised by zookeepers.
They gave him a plush orangutan toy, which he carries everywhere, hugging it while he sleeps, using it for… pic.twitter.com/qn1fO7Wu1n
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) February 14, 2026
Inspired by the young macaque’s story, IKEA Japan shared an image of an orangutan plush toy similar to Punch’s and later donated soft toys and storage items to support the zoo and visiting children. Representatives from the company also visited to present the donation in person.
For many followers, Punch’s journey from abandonment to gradual belonging has become a symbol of resilience — and a reminder of the comfort found in companionship, no matter how small.
