Who is Punch? viral monkey with stuffed toy from Japanese Zoo melting hearts online

Who is Punch? viral monkey with stuffed toy from Japanese Zoo melting hearts online

Mangalore Today News Network

Japan, Feb 22, 2026: Punch, a baby Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has melted hearts worldwide after videos showed him clinging to a stuffed orangutan toy following abandonment by his mother.

Born in July 2025, Punch was rejected by his biological mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers had to step in to hand-rear the tiny macaque, ensuring he was fed and cared for during the crucial early weeks of his life.

To provide comfort, caretakers introduced a plush orangutan toy — reportedly an IKEA soft toy — into his enclosure. Punch quickly grew attached to it, hugging it tightly, carrying it everywhere and even sleeping with it. The toy soon became his constant companion, with many online affectionately calling it his “surrogate mother."

Videos of Punch cuddling the stuffed animal began circulating on social media, triggering an emotional response from viewers across the globe. The hashtag #HangInTherePunch gained traction as users expressed sympathy for the abandoned monkey and admiration for his resilience.

Meet Punch, a monkey in a Japanese zoo with a sad story. His mother left him when he was a baby, so caretakers raised him. He struggled to live with other monkeys. Staff gave him a soft toy for comfort, and now he holds it close, spending most of his time alone. pic.twitter.com/hQxptQ8kZs

— The Page Z (@ThePageZ_) February 16, 2026

The viral fame also brought renewed attention to the zoo, with visitors turning up to catch a glimpse of the young macaque and his beloved plush companion.

In a heartwarming development, zoo officials recently confirmed that Punch has begun integrating into his troop. Caretakers observed another monkey grooming him — a key sign of social bonding and acceptance among primates. New footage shows Punch playing and interacting more confidently with other macaques.

Good News: After a lonely start, Punch is finally getting along with the other monkeys at the zoo. pic.twitter.com/d8GOVKQzbN

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 21, 2026

Despite finding companionship within the troop, Punch still keeps his stuffed toy close, a symbol of comfort during a difficult start to life. His journey from abandonment to viral sensation and finally finding a social family has become a touching story of resilience that continues to melt hearts online.