Punch the Baby Monkey and His Toy Capture Hearts Worldwide

Feb 20, 2026

81 min

Feb 20, 2026 14:30

Meet Punch: Baby monkey and his toy have the world in tears

## A Tale of Resilience

Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque, has become an internet sensation due to his heartwarming bond with a stuffed orangutan toy. Abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, Punch has been nurtured by zookeepers at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. His story has inspired the hashtag #HangInTherePunch, drawing global attention.

## A Special Bond

Born on July 26, 2025, Punch was rejected by his mother and weighed only 500 grams. Zookeepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi have been caring for him, ensuring he experiences the environment of his fellow macaques. To provide comfort, they introduced various soft toys, but Punch formed a unique attachment to a bug-eyed orangutan toy from IKEA, which he carries everywhere.

## Viral Sensation

Videos of Punch with his toy have gone viral, showing him playing and interacting with other monkeys. Despite occasional scolding from adult macaques, Punch demonstrates resilience and continues to integrate into his troop. His interactions, such as being groomed by another monkey, indicate growing acceptance.

## Growing Popularity

The zoo has seen a surge in visitors eager to see Punch. On a recent day, over 100 people gathered to watch him, including Sayaka Takimoto, who traveled two hours to witness the adorable monkey. Social media has played a significant role in spreading Punch's story, touching hearts worldwide.

## A Bright Future

Zookeepers are optimistic about Punch's development. They believe he will eventually outgrow his need for the toy as he becomes more integrated with his peers. Punch's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of love and support in overcoming adversity.

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