Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque Is Winning Hearts — and Making New Friends

The world can't stop watching Punch the monkey. The baby Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has become one of the most beloved animal stories of 2026, drawing global attention after videos of the tiny orphan clinging to a stuffed orangutan toy captured millions of hearts online. Now, in the latest hopeful update, Punch monkey is slowly — if not always smoothly — finding his place among his troop.

Who Is Punch the Monkey?

Punch-kun (パンチくん), also known simply as Punch, is a baby Japanese macaque, or snow monkey, born on July 26, 2025, at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. He was subsequently abandoned by his mother, who lacked interest in raising him. The day after birth, he was artificially fed from a baby bottle, and two zookeepers began hand-raising him. He was named after Monkey Punch, the mangaka who authored Lupin the Third.

Why Did Punch Go Viral?

On February 5, 2026, the zoo made an online post about Punch's backstory, which became an overnight sensation. More images of Punch monkey with the orangutan plushie went viral in Japan and abroad, and the hashtag #がんばれパンチ — loosely translating to #HangInTherePunch — began circulating online. Videos circulating online showed other monkeys shoving Punch, leaving him only his emotional support toy as comfort. One X user wrote they would "fly to Japan and beat up the mean monkeys."

The IKEA Orangutan Plushie Connection

Zookeepers experimented with substitutes including rolled-up towels and other stuffed animals before settling on the orange, bug-eyed orangutan sold by Swedish furniture brand IKEA. They chose it specifically because its resemblance to a real monkey might help Punch integrate back into the troop later on. Punch has rarely been seen without it since, dragging the cuddly toy everywhere even though it is bigger than him.

The orphaned Punch the monkey story captured hearts worldwide, flooding the zoo with visitors and even boosting sales of the IKEA plush toy. On February 17, IKEA Japan donated several soft toys — including additional orangutans — along with storage items to support Punch and to be used in areas for children visiting the zoo. IKEA Japan CEO Petra Färe visited the zoo that day to present the donation to Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka.

Is Punch Making Friends? The Latest Update

Punch monkey Japan fans have been closely following his progress, and the story is taking a hopeful turn. Primatologists told the BBC that repeated interactions — including rejection or scolding — are essential steps toward acceptance within macaque groups and play a critical role in long-term social health. The zoo issued a statement asking the public to "support Punch's effort rather than feel sorry for him," noting that "while Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength."

Punch Monkey Japan: Zoo Visits Surge

Punch's internet popularity led to a surge in visitors to the zoo starting in February 2026, with "huge lines" forming outside Ichikawa City Zoo — something zoo officials considered unprecedented, causing them to apologize for delays in entry.

Whether Punch the monkey fully wins over his troop remains a story still being written — but with millions of fans worldwide cheering him on, he's already won something far bigger.