Punch Monkeys: Abandoned baby macaque Punch sparks global affection after IKEA plush donation

Punch Monkeys has become a viral human-interest moment after a baby macaque named Punch, abandoned at birth and raised by zoo staff, found comfort in a stuffed orangutan. IKEA donated a large quantity of its plush animals to Ichikawa City Zoo earlier this week, a development that has deepened public attention and offered a tangible way for fans to connect with the story.

Punch Monkeys and the IKEA plush donation

Zoo caretakers gave Punch a stuffed orangutan that has visibly helped him cope with loneliness after he was abandoned by his mother as soon as he was born. The plush bears a strong resemblance to IKEA's Djungelskog, which is available for $20 at IKEA stores and on the company's website. On Feb. 17, Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka posted a photo on X next to IKEA Japan President Petra Färe showing the donated plush animals intended for Punch and other animals at the zoo.

Social accounts tied to IKEA in several countries have engaged with the public's affection for Punch, sharing edited images and playful posts that feature the stuffed orangutan alongside the baby macaque. One regional social post showed the Djungelskog edited to appear to hug Punch, while another posted image pairings that included a different stuffed chimpanzee holding the orangutan toy. The donated plush collection is meant to offer comfort to Punch and enrichment for other animals at the facility.

Enclosure incident, zoo response and Punch's resilience

A more recent video has caused concern among fans: on Feb. 19, footage showed a larger adult monkey approaching Punch and dragging him on the ground in circles before Punch could reach cover with his stuffed animal. shared on Feb. 20, Ichikawa City Zoo explained that the adult monkey was likely the mother of another baby in the enclosure whom Punch had unsuccessfully tried to communicate with earlier. The zoo suggested the adult could have been annoyed by Punch's behavior, which may have prompted the scolding.

The zoo urged supporters not to worry. Staff emphasized that while Punch is scolded at times, he demonstrates resilience and mental strength. The statement encouraged observers to support Punch's attempts to interact with the troop rather than simply feeling sorry for him. More broadly, the zoo framed the episodes as part of social dynamics inside the enclosure while maintaining a focus on Punch's well-being.

Timeline and key facts

• Punch was born at Ichikawa City Zoo on July 26, 2025, and was abandoned by his mother as soon as he was born, a translation of the zoo's website.
• Zoo staff raised Punch and provided him with a stuffed orangutan to help him cope with loneliness.
• On Feb. 17, a photo was posted showing the mayor with IKEA Japan leadership and a large donation of stuffed animals for the zoo.
• On Feb. 19, a video circulated showing Punch being dragged by a larger monkey; the zoo issued a statement on Feb. 20 explaining the likely context and urging calm.
• IKEA's Djungelskog, which appears to be the plush loved by Punch, is sold for $20 at IKEA stores and on the company's website.

The Punch Monkeys moment has combined a sympathetic animal story with visible corporate engagement and public participation. For the zoo, the priority remains Punch's care and integration with the troop; for the public, the stuffed orangutan has become a simple, relatable symbol of comfort. Recent updates indicate details may continue to evolve as the zoo monitors Punch's interactions and wellbeing.