Abandoned Macaque Punch Becomes Viral Sensation

How an Abandoned Baby Macaque Became the Internet’s Most Loved Monkey

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram recently, chances are you’ve seen him — a tiny macaque gently dragging an oversized orange plush toy wherever he goes.

Meet Punch (affectionately known as Punch-kun), a six-month-old Japanese macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo. What started as a heartbreaking story of rejection has turned into one of the most emotional and viral animal moments online.

Clips of Punch have exploded across social media, pulling in tens of millions of views — with some videos surpassing 30 million. Fan art has flooded platforms like X and Reddit. Even global retailers have noticed: IKEA reported increased sales of its orangutan plush toy after viewers identified it as Punch’s constant companion.

But behind the viral fame lies a story that has touched millions.

A Difficult Start to Life

Born last July during an intense summer heatwave, Punch was rejected by his biological mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers believe complications during delivery may have played a role.

Without maternal care, Punch was raised by human staff during his early months — receiving round-the-clock attention but missing the critical social lessons young macaques learn from their mothers.

By January, zoo staff made the difficult decision to reintroduce him to the troop at the zoo’s “Monkey Mountain” enclosure. For a young macaque, reintegration is vital for development — but it can also be socially harsh.

Japanese macaques live within strict social hierarchies. Youngsters typically learn their rank and behaviour through maternal guidance. Punch, without that support, struggled to find his place.

Videos show him cautiously approaching older monkeys, seeking affection or acceptance — only to be brushed aside or ignored. Viewers around the world found these moments both tender and heartbreaking.

The Plush That Changed Everything
Recognising his loneliness, zookeepers introduced a stuffed orangutan plush toy — IKEA’s popular “Djungelskog” model — to provide emotional comfort and encourage muscle development.

The toy quickly became Punch’s constant companion.

He cuddles it. Drag it across the enclosure. Holds it tightly while resting. Rarely lets it out of his sight.

One viral clip shows Punch trying to position the plush so it appears to hug him back — an innocent gesture that left millions of viewers in tears.

From Lonely Infant to Global Sensation

The internet responded almost instantly.

Comments flooded in from around the world, with many expressing deep protectiveness toward the tiny primate.

“I would adopt Punch and love him forever,” wrote one user.
“Three days in a row crying over Punch,” admitted another.

Punch’s story resonates because it reflects something universally human: the need for connection, comfort, and belonging.

What began as a story of abandonment has transformed into one of resilience — and unexpected global love.

And as Punch continues adjusting to life among his troop, one thing is certain: he is no longer alone.