Punch and adult monkey
Punch @ichikawa_zoo/X

The 'Punch effect' has transformed the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden into one of Japan's most prominent attractions of 2026. As of 25 February 2026, the seven-month-old Japanese macaque, who gained global attention for his attachment to a stuffed IKEA orangutan, is no longer the isolated figure that first captured public sympathy. While his 'Oran-Mama' plush toy remains a fixture of his environment, recent developments within the 'Monkey Mountain' enclosure suggest the infant is beginning to form social bonds with his peers.

The animal's viral popularity, shared under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch, has led to a significant surge in attendance for the Chiba-based facility. Local officials reported that visitor numbers peaked at over 6,000 people during the recent long holiday weekend, a six-fold increase over the zoo's typical daily average. This influx has necessitated new crowd control measures to ensure the welfare of the primate troop during this period of high interest.

Ichikawa Zoo
Ichikawa Zoo @ichikawa_zoo/X

To manage this demand, the zoo has established a restricted safety perimeter around the macaque enclosure to prevent overcrowding and reduce environmental stress. Visitors are being requested to remain silent and avoid using tripods or stepladders to ensure the troop remains calm during the delicate process of social integration. Furthermore, the zoo noted that while international inquiries have increased, staff are currently only able to respond in Japanese due to the volume of correspondence.

Social Milestones and Peer Acceptance

The most significant update for those following the story is the successful transition Punch has made from his surrogate plush toy to real-life interactions. After weeks of being 'scolded' or ignored by the adult macaques—a natural form of social discipline within a troop—Punch has reached a major milestone. On 22 February, footage confirmed that an adult macaque was seen meticulously grooming the infant, an act considered the ultimate sign of acceptance and trust in primate society.

Observers have also noted that an adult monkey named Onsing has taken a protective interest in the young macaque. This 'bodyguard' behaviour often involves Onsing sitting near Punch or shielding him during more boisterous group activities. As of 23 February, keepers reported that Punch is now frequently seen engaging in play with other infants, often leaving his stuffed toy behind to join the social group.

The Commercial Impact of 'Oran-Mama'

While Punch is becoming increasingly independent, his connection to the IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan has created a notable cultural and commercial phenomenon. The Swedish retailer reported that the plush toy is currently out of stock in Japan and several international markets due to the

On 17 February, the president of IKEA Japan visited the facility to donate a supply of replacement plushies. This ensures the animal has a clean surrogate mother available as he continues his transition toward full social independence. Despite the commercial success, the zoo maintains that the toy was always intended as a temporary bridge to help the orphan cope with the absence of his biological mother.

Punch's Journey

Punch's journey from a lonely orphan to a budding member of a macaque troop has been highlighted by the zoo as a symbol of resilience. While the animal still occasionally retreats to his 'Oran-Mama' for comfort, the 6,000 daily visitors are witnessing what staff call a historic social success. The transition from a synthetic surrogate to a living social group marks a critical stage in the animal's psychological development.

The zoo's official stance remains one of cautious optimism, encouraging the public to support the animal's persistence as he learns to navigate the complexities of monkey society. Keepers intend to keep the 'Oran-Mama' toy available in the enclosure for the foreseeable future, allowing Punch to choose when he is ready to abandon the object entirely. This strategy allows the infant to balance the security of his past with the demands of his new social environment.

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