10 Adorable Photos of Punch the Baby Monkey Who Was Rejected at Birth — Now a Viral Sensation With His Stuffed Toy

A six‑month‑old Japanese macaque named Punch has become an unexpected internet star after being abandoned by his mother at birth and forming a strong attachment to a soft toy at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

Clips and images of him clutching a large stuffed orangutan toy while sleeping, playing and exploring his enclosure have spread rapidly on social media, drawing millions of views and sparking global interest in his story of resilience and adaptation.

Zoo Keepers Step In After Maternal Rejection

Punch was born on 26 July 2025 at the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Shortly after his birth, his mother rejected him, a phenomenon that can occur in macaque troops, especially among first‑time mothers or under stressful conditions. Without maternal care, the infant would not have survived without intervention.

Zoo staff led by keepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi began hand‑raising Punch, bottle‑feeding him and providing blankets for warmth. To help replace the absence of his mother's physical presence and provide emotional comfort, caretakers introduced a plush orangutan, believed to be the IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan toy. From the moment he was given the toy, Punch took to it as his primary form of security and comfort.

Photos and Videos Drive Viral Buzz

Online footage and photographs of Punch walking around his enclosure clutching his stuffed toy have drawn attention across platforms such as X, Instagram and TikTok. In one widely shared video, Punch sits atop his plush companion, seemingly using it as a cushion, and in others he is seen carrying it with him while interacting with his environment.

Social media users have responded passionately to the visuals, with many expressing sympathy and admiration for the young primate's ability to find solace in his toy. A Japanese hashtag roughly translating to #HangInTherePunch has trended nationally and internationally as fans share images and moments from his life.

IKEA Supports Punch With Additional Plush Toys

Punch's story has also attracted corporate attention. IKEA Japan's president and chief sustainability officer, Petra Fare, visited the zoo in mid‑February after seeing the macaque's story featured online and on television.

The company donated several replacement plush toys to ensure Punch always has companions, as his original toy showed signs of wear from constant use. Fans have nicknamed the plush toys "Oran Mama" in recognition of their role in Punch's emotional development.

Integration Into Macaque Troop Underway

While Punch initially found it difficult to integrate with other macaques, recent updates from zoo officials indicate encouraging progress. After months of solitary attachment to his stuffed toy, he has begun engaging in mutual grooming and playful interactions with other members of the troop, a key step in primate social behaviour.

The continued use of his plush companion as he interacts with other monkeys suggests that while Punch is adapting socially, the toy remains a source of security. Zoo staff report that these interactions and physical care routines are helping him build social skills that are essential for healthy macaque development.

Public Reaction and Increased Zoo Visits

The viral images and videos have not only captivated online audiences but also led to a significant increase in visitors to Ichikawa City Zoo, where people are lining up in hopes of seeing Punch and his stuffed toy in person. Zoo officials acknowledged the unprecedented turnout and have expressed gratitude to supporters while emphasising their ongoing commitment to Punch's welfare.

Photographs and footage of Punch and his plush companion continue to circulate as examples of animal behaviour, emotional connection and the impact of social media on wildlife stories.