Punch The Monkey: punch the monkey captures hearts at Ichikawa City Zoo

The story of punch the monkey, a 6-month-old abandoned Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, has drawn widespread attention after caretakers and visitors noticed the infant’s intense attachment to a small orangutan plush toy. Zookeepers say the toy comforts him as they work to help him acclimate to his new surroundings and the rest of the troop.

Punch The Monkey goes viral

Born in July 2025 and named Panchi-kun (Punch in English), the baby macaque gained online traction when videos showed him carrying and cuddling the orangutan plush. As clips circulated, viewers noticed scenes that ranged from gentle moments with the toy to footage where Punch appeared to be bullied by other macaques. The increased attention has coincided with a visible rise in visitor interest at the zoo’s entrance.

Why punch the monkey matters

Zookeepers have been caring for Punch since he was left by his mother, posting updates in Japanese with English translations. By Feb. 6, staff noted that Punch had gradually begun making connections and interacting with the troop. On Feb. 12, a translated update from the zoo said that while Punch had been engaging with more macaques, "there are still times when he gets scolded, but while learning the rules of the group. " Those incremental steps have been highlighted repeatedly in shared clips.

Visitors, brands and public reaction

The zoo has also reported an uptick in visitors and shared a photo showing Punch with his stuffed toy alongside a long line at the entrance. A hashtag tied to the story has grown popular online, and a large retailer posted an image of the same orangutan plush toy, noting it is available in their stores; international accounts for that retailer have shared similar images. Comment threads have been emotional, with viewers writing things like "We're ALL Punch's family now, " "We're not okay, " and "PUNCH is uniting the world. "

• Key takeaways: Punch is an abandoned 6-month-old macaque using a stuffed orangutan for comfort; caretakers report gradual social integration; public interest and visits have increased.

What’s next for Punch

Observable indicators—regular zoo updates, noted interactions on Feb. 6 and Feb. 12, and rising visitor numbers—suggest a slow path toward social integration. If Punch continues to receive structured care and positive interactions with other macaques, the zoo’s updates indicate he may increasingly follow the group's social rules. The zoo did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and some details about his long-term care and social plans remain not publicly confirmed.

Punch’s relationship with his orangutan plush has been central to the public’s response, turning a single object of comfort into a focal point for broader attention and support. The animal’s progress will likely remain visible through future zoo updates and the continued sharing of on-site footage.