Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque Gets a February 25 Update From Ichikawa Zoo
The world's most beloved baby monkey is doing well. Punch the monkey — the seven-month-old Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo who captured global hearts by clinging to a stuffed IKEA orangutan — has received a fresh zoo update today confirming he is making real friends, playing freely, and thriving in his troop.
Who Is Punch the Monkey? The Story Behind the Viral Japan Sensation
Punch-kun, born July 26, 2025, at Ichikawa City Zoo, is a baby Japanese macaque, also known as a snow monkey. He was named after Monkey Punch, the manga artist who authored Lupin the Third. He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, and the day after, he was artificially fed — drinking milk from a baby bottle — as two caretakers began hand-raising him.
Due to the lack of a maternal figure, Punch initially struggled with socializing, showing signs of anxiety and isolation. To aid in his socialization, zoo officials gave Punch an IKEA Djungelskog orangutan plushie, which he began clinging to and treating as a surrogate mother. The plushie quickly earned the nickname "Oran-Mama" from fans worldwide.
How Punch the Monkey Went Viral — The February Explosion
On February 5, 2026, the zoo made an online post about Punch's backstory, which became an overnight sensation. More images of Punch with the orangutan plushie soon went viral in Japan and abroad, and the hashtag #がんばれパンチ — or #HangInTherePunch — began circulating online. Huge lines then began forming outside of Ichikawa City Zoo, which zoo officials considered unprecedented, causing them to apologize for delays in entry.
Punch was integrated with other macaques at the zoo's Monkey Mountain — home to around 60 monkeys — on January 19, 2026. One keeper stated that despite occasional ostracizing by other macaques, Punch was "mentally strong." Takashi Yasunaga, head of Ichikawa's zoo and botanical gardens, called Punch very outgoing.
February 25 Update: Punch Is Making Friends and Playing With Baby Monkeys
In an update posted today on X, Ichikawa Zoo clarified that Punch was not being "scolded" by others and was playing with baby monkeys. "He continues to do well," the zoo confirmed. New footage shows Punch staying close to a larger monkey and following it around the enclosure. "This big monkey has accepted Punch, and Punch has completely grown attached," the zoo said.
On February 23, a keeper shared that there were no scenes of Punch being scolded that day and that he was observed playing with the other baby monkeys. During mealtime, he climbed down from the keeper's foot on his own and began eating independently. That independence matters — earlier in his reintegration, Punch often lingered close to staff during feeding. Now he is choosing to descend and eat with the troop.
Zoo Also Addresses Health Concerns About the Monkey Troop
In a statement shared today, a zoo spokesperson addressed wider concerns from visitors: "A few macaques in the troop exhibit significant hair loss, or alopecia. The amount of food they receive and their weight are appropriate according to a veterinarian's diagnosis, and no clear sickness is evident. We believe the main cause is excessive grooming habits. To improve this issue and promote healthy group life, three staff members have been working together since June 2025 to develop approaches and conduct testing."
Ichikawa Zoo Records Unprecedented Crowds to See Punch the Monkey
Over Japan's three-day national holiday weekend marking the Emperor's Birthday, more than 6,000 visitors flooded Ichikawa City Zoo in a single day — prompting entry restrictions and parking closures. The following day, attendance reached approximately 5,200. Parking lots filled before mid-morning, entry lines stretched up to two hours, and by 3:00 p.m. staff began restricting admission to protect both guests and animals.
The zoo introduced 10-minute viewing limits and designated restricted viewing zones to reduce stress on the animals, thanking visitors for their quiet cooperation.
The IKEA Orangutan Plush Sells Out Worldwide
Punch's viral fame has had a surprising side effect on global retail. The IKEA Djungelskog orangutan stuffed toy — the very same model given to Punch as a surrogate mother — sold out worldwide following the viral explosion, with resale prices climbing to $350 and beyond on secondary markets. IKEA's CEO personally visited Ichikawa Zoo and donated 33 of the plush toys to the zoo in a show of support. The online reaction has been equally intense, with one fan writing on X: "I follow Punch updates more than the Olympics… it's really so serious."
