KUALA LUMPUR — An abandoned baby macaque named Punch in Japan has become an international sensation, drawing surging crowds to Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo after images of him clinging to an orangutan plush toy went viral.
Punch, the baby monkey, was born last July weighing approximately 500 grams but was immediately rejected by his mother.
Facing the risk of isolation, zookeepers provided Punch with an orangutan stuffed animal for comfort. The bond between the two has captured the hearts of millions online.
“We are surprised by the overwhelming response,” said Takashi Yasunaga, head of the Ichikawa municipal government’s zoological and botanical garden division.
“We are delighted that so many people are watching Punch grow.”
According to zookeepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi, Punch began living communally in the zoo’s enclosure in January. While he struggled to integrate with the troop, often retreating to his plush toy after conflicts with other macaques, his resilience has prompted global support.
The story has taken a heartwarming turn as homeware giant Ikea Japan K.K. (Corporation) responded to the viral phenomenon.
“It is a truly heartwarming story; Go for it, Punch,” said Ikea Japan President Petra Fare, who recognised the plush toy as one of their own and personally donated replacement plush toys and goods to the zoo.
The zoo continues to document Punch’s socialisation progress on their official X account, @ichikawa_zoo, attracting visitors who surge to the facility daily to catch a glimpse of the now-famous macaque. – February 28, 2026